Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Should I report 75989 or 77012 for CT imaging guidance of abscess drainage?

New York Subscriber

Answer: Code 75989 (Radiologic guidance [i.e., fluoroscopy, ultrasound or computed tomography], for percutaneous drainage [e.g., abscess, specimen collection], with placement of catheter, radiologic supervision and interpretation) is more accurate than 77012 (Computed tomography guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], radiological supervision and interpretation).

Tip: If the radiologist performs the surgical part of the procedure as well, you may report that separately.

Example: If the radiologist performs percutaneous drainage of a peritoneal abscess, you should report 75989 and 49021 (Drainage of peritoneal abscess or localized peritonitis, exclusive of appendiceal abscess; percutaneous). Don't forget the appropriate ICD-9 code, such as 567.22 (Peritoneal abscess).