Wiki Femoral Catheter for possible use

[Melissa*Ever*Evolving]

Hello,
An anesthesiologist has been asked to place a femoral cath for possible use for postop pain control if needed. However, nothing is infused or given via this cath and it is being performed as a procautionary service for if another type of analgesia fails.

Would this be reportable as 64448-52 (reduced service)?

The surgeon is using Exparel for pain control and it is supposed to control pain for up to 72 hours. However, the surgeon is requesting the femoral cath placement as procaution in case the Exparel fails since it is new to their hospital.

As long as the above is documented completely, wouldn't reporting the service with -52 be appropriate?

Thank you for your advice!

~Melissa, CPC

 

[dwaldman]

52 modifier would have to be used with additional note stating No infusion performed/ You might want to use the email function thru your Medicare carrier to see if you can get a response if they believe this is a covered benefit.