Radiology Coding Alert
Append -52 for Pacemaker, No Pocket
Arizona Subscriber
Answer: You should report 33208 (Insertion or replacement of permanent pacemaker with transvenous electrode[s]; atrial and ventricular) for the procedure and append modifier -52 (Reduced services).
Skin pocket development is part of the pacemaker implant, and if another physician performs that portion of the procedure, your insurer will reduce your reimbursement accordingly.
You should also report 71090-26 (Insertion pacemaker, fluoroscopy and radiography, radiological supervision and interpretation; Professional component) for the fluoroscopy the physician used during the pacemaker insertion.
Radiology Coding Alert
- Refresh Your Feeding-Tube Placement Expertise With 3 FAQs
Differentiate between G- and J-tubes to speed payment If your interventional radiologist places a feeding [...] - A Surefire Strategy for Male Mammogram Claims
- 4 Tips to Improve Clinical Treatment Planning Pay
Here's how to report 77261-77263 If you're not sure how to report CPT 77261 [...] - You Be the Coder:
Is There a Dx Code for Dyke-Davidoff-Mason Syndrome?
Question: One of our radiologists documented "Dyke-Davidoff-Mason syndrome" in the final impression of a radiology [...] - News You Can Use:
CMS Makes NCCI Free
Tired of shelling out hundreds of dollars a year to stay current on changes to [...] - Reader Question:
Report 37620 for IVC Filter Placement
Question: How should I report an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement?
South Carolina Subscriber [...] - Reader Question:
Suspected Foreign Body: V Code
Question: One of our radiologists sent me an x-ray report for a 21-month-old child. The [...] - Reader Question:
Append -52 for Pacemaker, No Pocket
Question: How should we bill for a pacemaker procedure when the physician inserted the pacemaker [...] - Reader Question:
CT for Amputee May Not Warrant -52
Question: We performed an extremity CT scan without contrast for a patient whose lower leg [...] - Reader Question:
Base Brachytherapy Code on Catheters
Question: One of our radiation oncologists performed brachytherapy on a breast using a Mammosite device [...] - Reader Question:
Decreased Breath Sounds? Consult Doctor
Question: Our radiologist documented a chest x-ray with the diagnosis "Decreased breath sounds." What ICD-9 [...] - Reader Question:
Ask Insurer About Multiple MRIs
Question: Our MRI technician performed an MRI of the thigh and an MRI of the [...]
