Wiki Dialysis catheter removal - My doctor wants to charge

[ahooker]

My doctor wants to charge and office call and removal of dialysis catheter. She made a small incision, pulled out the catheter and applied pressure. I think it should be included in the E & M. 36589 is over $500.00. HELP.

 

[mceisele]

If it is a non-tunneled catheter, then it is considered inherent in the E/M. CPT 36589 is for removal of a tunneled CVC; see http://www.supercoder.com/my-ask-an...ould-i-use-and-em-code-or-is-there-a-cpt-code

Hope this helps.
Celeste