Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: When coding for hyponatremia, hypovolemia and pulmonary congestion, our client says to bill it as a triple lumen catheter. Ive found only two codes that specify triple lumen 36010 (introduction of catheter, superior or inferior vena cava) and 36011 (selective catheter placement, venous system; first order branch [e.g., renal vein, jugular vein]). Are these the best codes to use?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: I would code a central venous pressure (CVP) line placement using 36489 (placement of central venous catheter [subclavian, jugular, or other vein] [e.g., for central venous pressure, hyperalimentation, hemodialysis, or chemotherapy]; percutaneous, over age 2) because by the diagnoses you use, the patient is being treated by way of the triple lumen. Code 36489 indicates long-term treatment or monitoring of a patient.