Reader Question:
Add IABP Monitoring to E/M
Published on Wed May 09, 2012
Question: Is there a code for IABP monitoring and maintenance? Codify MemberAnswer: Experts recommend including the monitoring and maintenance for the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) when choosing the E/M level for the physician's subsequent services.CPT® includes codes for insertion (such as 33967, Insertion of intra-aortic balloon assist device, percutaneous) and removal (such as 33968, Removal of intra-aortic balloon assist device, percutaneous), but there is no code specific to the monitoring. Although it isn't directly on point, CPT® Assistant (April 2010) offers some insights in "Ventricular Assist Devices -- Insertion, Removal, Replacement." It focuses on ventricular assist device (VAD) insertion and removal codes 33975-33981. It states that for postoperative extracorporeal (outside the body) and intracorporeal (inside the body) VAD insertion care, coders should report the suitable critical care or E/M code, as appropriate. Bonus tip: This code section also includes extracorporeal codes 33960 (Prolonged extracorporeal circulation for cardiopulmonary insufficiency; initial day) and [...]
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