Wiki Revision of saphenous vein graft day after CABG

[tndodson726@gmail.com]

Patient became extremely hypotensive the day after 3 vessel CABG causing violent vomiting and hence tore his stitches to his RCA saphenous vein graft, Mediastinotomy was performed revealing the torn area and the surgeon clamped and restitched the graft back to the RCA.....can that be reported and if so, what code would be used? Have researched this for over an hour and am stumped!!!

 

[dvance4210]

Patient became extremely hypotensive the day after 3 vessel CABG causing violent vomiting and hence tore his stitches to his RCA saphenous vein graft, Mediastinotomy was performed revealing the torn area and the surgeon clamped and restitched the graft back to the RCA.....can that be reported and if so, what code would be used? Have researched this for over an hour and am stumped!!!

By the wording of your note, I would think your reexploration code is appropriate. The saphenous vein graft was torn, so hemorrhaging was occurring. I would use 35820. "This code is used for exploration of postoperative hemorrhage, thrombosis, or infection complications of veins and arteries of the chest only, including correction of the problem" per Optum Coding Companion (this is a great reference book). Don't forget to use your 78 modifier.

D. Vance, CPC, CCVTC

 

[tndodson726@gmail.com]

Thank you so very very much!!!