Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Our radiologists perform percutaneous LAP-BAND adjustments. We report S2083 for the service and 77002 for the fluoroscopy. Is this the correct fluoroscopy code? Connecticut Subscriber Answer: Code 77002 (Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device]) is appropriate for fluoro used for gastric band adjustment in the outpatient setting, according to the American Hospital Association's Coding Clinic for HCPCS, Vol. 9, No. 3, 2009. Of course, the code is only appropriate when the physician uses and documents the fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure: LAP-BAND adjustment involves passing a needle into the port of a band placed around the patient's stomach as part of bariatric surgery. The radiologist uses the needle to add or remove fluid to change the width of the stoma (the outlet the band creates between the two parts of the stomach), according to CPT Assistant (April 2006). The physician typically performs the adjustment through [...]