Radiology Coding Alert

Question: What CPT code(s) should I report for a transjugular liver biopsy?

Alabama Subscriber

Answer: The code for a transcatheter biopsy is 37200 (Transcatheter biopsy).

A note with 37200 directs you to 75970 (Transcatheter biopsy, radiological supervision and interpretation) for radiological supervision and interpretation.

Don't miss: You also should report 36011 (Selective catheter placement, venous system; first-order branch [e.g., renal vein, jugular vein]). Choose this first-order code because the radiologist moves the catheter into the vena cava and then into the hepatic. (See diagram at right.) Regardless of whether the physician takes the sample from the left, right or middle hepatic vein, you should report a first-order catheterization because all of these veins empty into the vena cava.

Procedure: The radiologist inserts a catheter into the jugular vein and threads it into the hepatic vein. He passes a needle through the tube and uses a suction device to collect the liver samples.