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Still confused on some of these… Please help Peripheral Coding

Coronary Angiogram and Intervention Report
Date of procedure: 12/20/18

Pre- op Ox: CAD, CCS II chest pain, Abnormal stress test
Post-op Ox: Coronary artery disease

Procedures:
1. Selective left coronary angiography
2. Laser arthrectomy of the proximal and mid left anterior descending artery for 70-80% in-stent restenosis.
Pre procedure 70-80% in-stent restenosis with TIMI 3 flow. Post procedure less th an 50% in-stent restenosis with TIMI 3 flow.
3. Stenting of the proximal left anterior descending
artery for 80% disease with a 3.0 x 12 mm drug-eluting stent Onyx; pre procedure and 80% diseaseTIMI-3 flow.
Post procedure 0% disease with TIMl-3 flow
4. Angioplasty of the mid 70% occluded left anterior descending artery with a 2.25 x 12 mm balloon; pre procedure 70% disease TIMI- 3 flo w. Post procedure less than 50% disease TIMl-3 flow

Anesthesia: Lidocaine 2%

Access Site: Right femoral artery 6 French

Findings:
LMCA · mild disease
LCX · 60· 70 % m id left circumflex artery OMl · mild to moderate disease
LAD • 80% proximal disease prior to stent; 70-80% in-stent restenosis of the proximal-mid left anterior descending artery stent; 70% disease post stent
Dl – moderate disease

Procedure in detail :
The patient was brought to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab in a fasting state. All appropriate labs had been reviewed.
Bilateral groins were prepped and draped in the usual fashion for sterile conditions. The appropriate time-out procedure was performed with appropriate identification of the patient, procedure, physician, position and documentation all done under my direct supervision and there were no safety issues raised by the staff.

Right groin was anesthetized with lidocaine and a 6-French sheath was put into place percutaneously via guide-wire exchanger using ultrasound guidance and a micro puncture access kit. All catheters were passed using a Hipped guide* wire. Left system coronary angiography performed using a 6-French EBU3.5 catheter.

Intervention:
A 6 French EBU 3-1/2 guide was used to engage the left system. Once engaged, a run- through wire was placed distally down the left anterior descending artery. The laser catheter was then placed over the run-through wire and attempted to place inside the in-stent restenosis. Multiple attempts were made and the catheter was unable to enter the stent. The wire was pulled back and re-placed inside the stent as there was a concern that the wire may have gone behind the stent. The laser catheter was still unable to be advanced into the stent. A smaller laser catheter was exchanged and still unsuccessful in going inside the stent. After multiple attempts, the laser catheter was finally able to enter the stent and multiple runs were made. Post arthrectomy with laser, an angiogram was done showing less than 50% disease inside the stent. The laser catheter was removed and a 3.0 x 12 mm balloon was used to dilate the in-stent restenosis. Multiple different balloons were used without much improvement.
Given the inability to use the larger laser catheter, the
decision was made to leave the in-stent restenosis as it
is given TIMI -3 flow and less than 50% disease. The laser catheter was removed and an angiogram was done showing no perforations or dissections TIMI 3 flow. A 2.25 x 12 balloon was placed distally to the stent where there was 70%>
stenosis and that area was angioplastied. Post
Angioplasty, there appear to be less than 50% disease and no perforations or dissections TIMI 3 flow. The proximal portion prior to the stent in the LAD appeared to be significantly diseased and a 3.0 x 12 mm drug -eluting stent Onyx was placed. Post stenting, an angiogram was done showing no perforations or dissections and TIMI-3 flow. Heparin given during the entire procedure.

Closure Device: None

EBL: Less than 20 ml Complications: None Lines: None

Specimens: None Condition: Stable

Finding s:
Status post arthrectomy of the proximal to mid left anterior descending artery in-stent restenosis
Angioplasty of the mid left anterior descending artery after the stent
Stenting of the proximal left anterior descending artery with a
3.0 x 12 mm drug-eluting stent Onyx

Recommendation:
Continue with aspirin, Plavix, Lipitor therapy
Consider stage PC! for patients left circumflex artery as an outpatient

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Clinic / Specialist / Hospital / Confused….

A Cancer specialty clinic sees patients for care/treatment for Cancer at their clinic.
These same patients often have other comorbidities where they are treated in the ER and or Inpatient stays at the hospital located on the same campus.
Scenario:
-The Clinic Physician, who is not a hospitalist, treats a cancer patient at their (outpatient) clinic.
-The same patient ends up being admitted to the hospital for an unrelated condition.
-Because of the Cancer/Diagnosis the pt. has, the hospital staff physicians are not specialized to treat these patients.
-Due to this, our Clinic Physician will be called to manage the patient’s cancer while they are inpatient at the hospital.
-Our Clinic Physician will dictate progress notes and sometimes a Discharge summary for the patient.
-Our Clinic Physician’s progress note(s)/discharge summary will sometimes be directed at care of the pt’s cancer. Other times, the Clinic Physician will treat the (non cancer related) current condition(s) the pt. has.
I’ve looked at the guidelines but I’m a bit confused on this.
Anyone care to comment?
Thank you!

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

confused (hydration)

Hydration seems to be a mystery, with all my research so many conflicting opinions as to how hydration is to be coded correctly. I have some opinion stating hydration cannot be billed and some others stating all can be billed in this scenario. Is anyone able to offer their knowledge please?

magnesium sulfate IVPB 2 g/50 mL Premix 0940 1030
sodium chloride 0.9% bolus 1,000 mL 0940 1110

Note states only treatment: Hydration. What is the correct coding of hydration.

Thank you

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Please Help! CFA/SFA/Profunda/Iliac Endarterectomy? Confused! OP Report Included

Good Morning All!

I’m struggling with this OP report today, I could use ANY opinions or advice on which CPT-4 codes to use for this.

The common femoral artery itself was large and a little bit bulbous. The patient was systemically heparinized to the profunda femoris as well as the distal external iliac artery were clamped. A profunda clamp was used for the profunda artery with smaller branches controlled with red vessel loops and the distal external iliac was controlled with a Derra clamp. I then used an 11 blade to cut through the middle of the preexisting Gore patch that was on the common femoral artery. There was fresh thrombus that we took of the entire lumen of the common femoral artery. I was able to remove all of this thrombus burden. Using a #4 embolectomy catheter, I passed it down the superficial femoral artery and after about 3 passes. Finally, we returned a large amount of thrombus. There was then good backbleeding from the superficial femoral artery. I then passed the Fogarty embolectomy down the profunda. There was no additional clot burden there and there was good backbleeding, so that was re-controlled with a profunda clamp. I then checked my inflow and I did not have good inflow. The embolectomy catheter was passed proximally up the iliac artery. I got small pieces of plaque, but no fresh thrombus; however, as I pulled a Fogarty balloon down the iliac, it did seem to get caught up as though there was a significant stenosis at the top edge of the preexisting patch. I extended my arteriotomy a bit more proximally and I did find significant intimal hyperplasia there and it did look like there was an inflow stenosis, it made me wonder if this was the cause of the artery thrombosing initially. I ended up sharply excise in most of that preexisting Gore patch. An extensive endarterectomy was performed from the distal external iliac artery down to the distal common femoral artery, I took great care to make sure that the origins of both the superficial femoral artery and the profunda were free and clear of any residual plaque. I then chose a 2 x 9 cm bovine pericardial patch essentially the entire length of that was required to patch the endarterectomized segment of the artery. This was done with a running 5-0 Prolene suture. Prior to the completion of the anastomosis, all branches were backbled. I did not have good bleeding from the superficial femoral artery until the #4 embolectomy catheter was passed down it again. At this time, I withdrew almost a cast from it and there was now robust backbleeding. Everything was flushed with heparinized saline. The anastomosis was complete.

To me it sounds like it was performed on all Iliac, Common Fem, Superficial Fem, Profunda. I don’t know if this OP falls under an iliofemoral (33533), or Common Femoral (35371)..
I also know about "contiguous VS non-contiguous" would all these arteries fall under contiguous therefore only one code should be report??:confused:
PLEASE HELP :confused:

Thank you!!
Katie

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Help I’m so confused! 0521F billing???

I received an email from my doctor asking if we can now bill for 0521F?? This is just a reporting code correct?? He’s not going to get reimbursed an extra amount for billing this?? When I put it in our fee schedule it comes up with a 0 allowable. I’ve never billed any of the category 2 codes, I’m thinking that its for reporting only?? Can someone please confirm??

CPT® Code 0521F – Plan of care to address pain documented (COA) (ONC) – The provider documents a plan of care to manage pain in a patient with cancer who receives chemotherapy or radiotherapy during the measurement period.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Endovascular repair, still confused!

ANY HELP, ADVICE, DIRECTION WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED :) I GOT 34705 & 34812/50. IT DOESN’T SEEM RIGHT… THANKS!! CAROL

PRE-OPERATIVE Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

DIAGNOSIS: POST-OPERATIVE Same.

DIAGNOSIS: ESTIMATED BLOOD Less than 20 cc. LOSS

ANESTHESIA: General anesthesia.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE: Right and left common femoral arteries were accessed percutaneously and a Perclose sutures were placed bilaterally using the pre-close technique. Catheter and guidewire
techniques: were used to manipulate a Lunderquist wire from the left common femoral
arteriotomy to the mid thoracic aorta. Catheter and guidewire techniques were used to
manipulate a pigtail catheter to the upper abdominal aorta. Over the left-sided
Lunderquist wire, the main body Endurant stent graft measuring 16 x 13 x 124 mm mm
was advanced to the upper abdominal aorta. An aortogram was performed in the
craniocaudal projection to delineate the takeoff of the renal arteries. The stent graft was
then deployed to the level of the gate such that the proximal fabric lies immediately
distal to the takeoff of the lower most left renal artery. The hooks were deployed in
usual fashion. Next, the right-sided pigtail catheter was straightened and used to select
the gate. The pigtail catheter was advanced into the main body stent graft and spine to
ensure its intraluminal position. A Lunderquist wire was then advanced into the pigtail
catheter A right-sided iliac angiogram was performed to delineate the position of the
native aortic bifurcation and right hypogastric artery. The pigtail catheter was
exchanged over the Lunderquist wire for the delivery system for a right-sided iliac
extender measuring 25 x 13 x 166 mm. This was advanced into the gate and deployed
in the usual fashion such that the distal fabric is immediately proximal to the right
hypogastric artery takeoff. The delivery system was then removed and replaced with a
12 French sheath Next, the main body stent graft was deployed in its entirety. The
delivery system was then removed and replaced with a 14 French sheath. Next, the stent
graft and both right and left limbs were dilated using Reliant balloons and kissing
balloon technique. Next, both right and left arteriotomies were closed using the Perclose
sutures and satisfactory hemostasis was obtained.

ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS: Following placement of a modular bifurcated stent graft, there is satisfactory flow through the stent graft and both right and left limbs. There is maintenance of patency of
both right and left renal arteries and right and left hypogastric arteries. There is a slight
proximal type I endoleak present which was refractory to multiple balloon dilatations at
the proximal landing zone.

COMPLICATIONS: None.

CONCLUSION: Successful placement of a modular bifurcated stent graft for treatment of an infrarenal
abdominal aortic aneurysm. At the conclusion of the procedure, the stent graft is in
satisfactory position with excellent flow. A slow filling proximal type I endoleak
persists despite multiple balloon dilatations at the proximal landing zone. The patient
will be followed with CT scanning in approximately one week. Should the patient have
a persisting type I endoleak, the plan is to the percutaneously additional stents at the
level of the proximal landing zone.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Confused about Billing-Need Help

HI,

I have a few questions and hope someone here would be a great resource with some help! My first question is about contractual obligations/adjustments. Normally practices/providers have their charged/billed amount as above the medicare allowable. So say they bill 99214, $ 125 is their rate/charge. The insurance allowable is $ 62.50, pt has a $ 10 copay and the contractual obligation(adjusted/write off) would be $ 52.50. Is it legal for a provider/practice to bill their allowed amt as the charged amount so they don’t have to take any write off/contractual obligations? So if the allowable for 99214 is $ 62.50 that would be their charged/billed amount to the insurance.

And secondily, has anyone worked with ABA therapy codes? I have a few questions in regards to coding and billing some codes and wanted some insight. So was looking for someone I could email and pick their brains on a few things.

Thank You!

Hopefully I wasn’t too confusing! :)

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Endovascular procedure, so confused!

Help! this is my first time for one of these procedures…. I can’t tell if the doctor has confusing dictation, or it’s just me. I got 33880 (62?) 75956/26, 37252, 37253 & 36200. What do the experts think? thanks for any and all input!

DIAGNOSIS: POST-OPERATIVE Type B aortic dissection.

DIAGNOSIS:

SURGEONS: K….
ESTIMATED BLOOD 200cc

LOSS:

DESCRIPTION: Informed consent was obtained . The patient was brought to the operative suite where
Dr. Koumjian performed right common femoral artery exposure. No common femoral
artery was punctured percutaneously and a 6 French sheath was placed. Catheter and
guidewire techniques were manipulated used to manipulate a Glidewire into the true
lumen of the thoracic aorta over which a pigtail catheter was advanced and positioned
within the ascending aorta.

A 10 French sheath was placed into the exposed right common femoral artery. Catheter
and guidewire techniques were used to manipulate a Glidewire into the false lumen of
the thoracic aorta. Over this wire, the intravascular ultrasound catheter was advanced in
interrogation of the false lumen was performed. This confirms that the Glidewire does
not enter and exit through fenestrations. Also confirmed with the luminal diameter of
the false and true lumina and position of the takeoff of the left subclavian artery. This
catheter was then exchanged for a Berenstein catheter which was used to select the left
subclavian artery. An angiogram was performed to document the position of the left
common carotid to left subclavian artery bypass. Next, a over exchange wire, a 7
French destination sheath was passed into the proximal left subclavian artery. Through
this sheath, 2 tandem 16 mm Amplatz or plugs were placed into the proximal left
subclavian artery successfully occluding both true and false lumen of this vessel.

Next, the destination sheath was exchanged over a guidewire for a Berenstein catheter
which was used to select the true lumen from the right common femoral artery. Over a
guidewire, intravascular ultrasound was passed through the true lumen and used to
interrogate the luminal diameter of the true lumen at the level of the aortic arch which
measured approximately 28 mm.

Next, a Lunderquist wire was advanced through the intravascular ultrasound catheter
which was then removed and exchanged for the delivery system of a Valiant endograft
measuring 28 x 28 x 150 mm. A thoracic aortogram was performed to delineate the
takeoff of the left common and innominate arteries which takeoff of a common bovine
trunk. The endograft was deployed such that the proximal fabric lies immediately distal
to the takeoff of the bovine trunk. This endograft was then deployed in its entirety.

The pigtail catheter was then straightened and replaced into the lumen of the recently
placed endograft and a distal thoracic aortogram was performed to take to delineate the
takeoff of the celiac artery. Next, over the right-sided Lunderquist wire the delivery
system for a Valiant endograft measuring 28 x 24 x 150 mm was advanced and
positioned into the distal portion of the previously placed endograft and deployed in the
usual fashion such that the distal fabric lies significantly proximal to the takeoff of the
celiac axis.

ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS:
Next, the pigtail catheter was advanced through the endograft and positioned within the
ascending aorta for a final thoracic aortogram, the results of which demonstrates
satisfactory exclusion of a type B dissection false lumen. There is maintenance of
excellent flow through the bovine trunk. There is opacification of a widely patent left
common carotid artery to left subclavian artery bypass graft there is filling of the distal
left subclavian artery. There is satisfactory occlusion of the embolized proximal left
subclavian artery. There is no evidence of endoleak.

The left common femoral artery sheath was removed and the left common femoral
arteriotomy was closed with a starclose device.

Dr. Koumjian close the right common femoral artery or in the groin. The patient was
taken to the recovery room in stable condition.

CONCLUSION: Successful restoration of luminal diameter of the true lumen which was compromised
secondary to a type B aortic dissection and widening false lumen via placement of
modular thoracic endografts as detailed above.

Billing codes: 34812-62, 36200, 36215, 33880-62, 75956-26, 37252, 37242.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Confused? ICD-10-CM

Patient was admitted as inpatient on 02/02/2018 with a history of mental status changes, pyuria, complaining of weakness and lethargy. Within subsequent care for 10 days, new diagnosis found everyday such as encephalopathy, respiratory distress/hypoxemia, UTI, acute on CKG, CHF, Hypoalbumin, etc. How to find principal diagnosis code?

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

20550 or 20551- So confused

So I work for a family practice facility and one of our practitioners has started doing injections. I am so confused on what the different between a 20551 and 20550 are? Here is an example of one of her chart notes.

I think that I am only going to bill 20550 x1 since all 6 injections were all in the same area, correct? Or is this a 20551 x1?

Joint/Spine Injection:
Injection # 1
After discussion of the risks and benefits, the patient elected to proceed with the ligament injections into 6 sites – the bilateral IL ligaments and the supraspinous ligaments of L-2, L-3, L-4, and L-5. Informed consent was obtained. Confirmed that the patient does not have history of prior adverse reactions, active infections, or relevant allergies. There was no effusion, erythema, or warmth, and the skin was clear.
The skin was prepped in a sterile fashion with Chloraprep. Local anesthetic was introduced into the area of the injection site using 1% lidocaine/8.4% sodium bicarbonate 10:1 mixture.
Each of the IL sites were injected with a solution of 10cc lidocaine 1% w. sodium bicarb 8.4%. In total, the supraspinous ligaments were injected with 10cc. Total volume 30cc
Patient demonstrated that they were stable before being allowed to leave the facility. The patient tolerated the procedure without complication. The patient will call immediately with any signs of infection, fever or allergic reaction. Patient instructed to keep area clean, dry and covered, avoid anti-inflammatories (e.g. Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen), also avoid use of ice, apply heat to injection site intermittently 24-48 hours.
The patient to return as instructed.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum