Wiki 37211 Infusions

ablythe

Networker
Messages
29
Location
Boston, MA
Best answers
0
I am coding a report that says, "A 5F infusion catheter was placed in the popliteal
artery and 6 mg of Reopro was infused distally followed by 200 mcg of
intra-arterial nitroglycerin." My physician used the 37211 code for arterial infusion for thrombolysis. I do not think I can use the infusion code simply because an infusion catheter was used and the physician said he infused these drugs. What additional information do I need from him? My memory tells me that we can use this code if the "infusion" lasted an hour or longer, but I do not know where I got that idea.

Can anyone provide guidance on this issue?

Thank you,

Allison, CPC, CCC
 
You're on the right track; the hour requirement is in regards to percutaneous thrombectomy. Since percutaneous thrombectomy codes include intraprocedural thrombolysis you should not code thrombolysis used "a little" before, during or after thrombectomy, should be for prolonged - at least 60 minutes.

Otherwise, you can bill 37211 once per surgical field

HTH
 
Top