Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What is a "pseudoaneurysm," and what diagnosis code should I use?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: A pseudoaneurysm is also known as a "false aneurysm."

The condition: An artery dilates with actual disruption of one or more of its walls, rather than dilating with expansion of all wall layers. The most common cause of this condition is penetrating trauma.''
''' For a diagnosis code, check your ICD-9 manual's aneurysm section.

Example: If this aneurysm is located in the femoral artery, you should use 442.3 (Other aneurysm; of artery of lower extremity).

-- 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.