Reader Question:
+0291T Is Your Add-On for OCT
Published on Sun Jul 08, 2012
Question: The doctor performed an LHC and used OCT of the LAD (30 to 40 percent plaque). How should I code the OCT?Codify MemberAnswer: The appropriate codes for OCT (optical coherence tomography) performed in 2012 are the following:+0291T, Intravascular optical coherence tomography (coronary native vessel or graft) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; initial vessel (List separately in addition to primary procedure)+0292T, ... each additional vessel (List separately in addition to primary procedure).OCT is a catheter-based imaging method that produces high-resolution images using light. Physicians can view the insides of arteries including stents. According to guidelines with the codes, intravascular OCT includes "all transducer manipulations and repositioning within the specific vessel being examined, both before and after therapeutic intervention [e.g., stent placement])."Don't forget: Report the primary service including the left heart catheterization (LHC), as well. CPT® guidelines instruct you to report +0291T in addition [...]
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