tricuspid repair

[rsadkins]

I have a note were the surgeon performed: CABG x1 reverse saphenous vein graft, transseptal mitral valve replacement with 27 mm pericardial valve using chordal-sparing technique, extended Maze procedure on bypass, and TEE. This is straight forward to me.

My question is in his documentation he examines the tricuspid valve and actually places a ring, after intraoperative testing, decides that the tricuspid insufficiency was moderate, and the ring was removed. He does an excellent job documenting this. Can I bill this?

Anyone's opinion is appreciated.

Thanks.

[MLS2]

my first instinct is to say yes, it's ok to bill for it. If he actually did the entire procedure he should be able to bill for it.

[lisigirl]

I would bill CPT 33463 - valvuloplasty, tricuspid vlave; without ring insertion. If the work involved in placing and then removing the ring was extensive, you could maybe add the -22 modifier.

Lisi, CPC

[Kelly_Mayumi]

I know this was posted forever ago, but is a transseptal mitral valve replacement more difficult then a "regular" mitral valve replace?