Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Bonus Tip:

Beware 'Brand Names' When Coding CVAs

Published on Sun Sep 02, 2012

Making assumptions can point you to the wrong code. Physicians typically tunnel some brands of catheters and not tunnel others -- but don't let the catheter name dictate your coding. Hickman, Broviac, and Groshong catheters typically are tunneled, while Hone and triple-lumen catheters are non-tunneled. "Because tunneled catheters help prevent infection from colonization, they're a good choice for catheters placed for chronic conditions such as dialysis or chemotherapy," says Scott Groudine, MD, of Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. "If the catheter is placed urgently and for short-term use, it probably will not need to be tunneled." Although these terms can provide a clue to proper coding, you should not rely on them exclusively. Likewise, if the anesthesiologist documents placement of a Tesio-type catheter, be sure the device has two separate access sites before reporting 36565 or 36566. Follow the questions outlined above for a complete picture of the CVA's purpose [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All