Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I'm looking for the code for intra-aorta balloon catheter through skin. It was 93536, but I know that is no longer a valid code. Could it be 36200?


Mississippi Subscriber

Answer: You should use 33967 (Insertion of intra-aortic balloon assist device, percutaneous). You're correct that 93536 is no longer valid. CPT deleted it in 2002.

Note: You must code the diagnoses according to your radiologist's documentation. Keep in mind that few diagnoses will support the claim for an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), which is used to enhance the pumping action of the patient's heart. CHF (congestive heart failure, 428.0) and cardiogenic shock (785.51) both support the IABP for the hemodynamic support at the time of the left heart cath.

If you have the supporting documentation, you may also try to submit the claim if the patient has unstable angina (411.1) or respiratory failure (518.81).

You should not use 36200 (Introduction of catheter, aorta) because it represents a component of diagnostic studies performed in the aorta. Insertion of an IABP is a separately reported therapeutic procedure.

The answers for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Jackie Miller, RHIA, CPC, senior consultant with Coding Strategies Inc. in Powder Springs, Ga.; and Gary S. Dorfman, MD, FACR, FSIR.