Cardiology Coding Alert
Modifier -58 Indicates Stent is Staged Procedure
Cecilia Lindsey
Medical College of Virginia, VA
Answer: The use of modifier -58 (staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period) is correct because the diagnostic cardiac catheter procedure (93526-26, combined right heart catheterization and retrograde left heart catheterization; professional component) led to the interventional stenting (92980-58-LD, transcatheter placement of an intracoronary stent[s], percutaneous, with or without other therapeutic intervention, any method; single vessel), which by definition is a staged procedure. The key to coding this scenario correctly and obtaining reimbursement is that the cardiologist must document that the catheterization led to the stent.
Cardiology Coding Alert
- How to Code Correctly for Pacemaker Insertion and Removal
Proper coding tactics can overcome the main hassles in pacemaker billing, our experts say. Although [...] - For Tests, Medical Necessity is the Ultimate Diagnosis Code Guideline
Many cardiology coders have the false impression that they must use a pretest diagnosis when [...] - Appealing a Third-party Payer's Inappropriate Test Denial
The following letter is an example of the sort of written communication you can send [...] - Navigating Between New and Established Patient Codes Can Increase Reimbursement
Payers reimburse physicians at a higher rate for new patient visits (99201-99205) than for established [...] - Reader Question:
Coding for Pacemaker Upgrade
Question: How would you code a replacement of a single-chamber pacemaker with a dual-chamber pacemaker [...] - Reader Question:
Billing for Holter Monitor
Question: In the July 1999 issue of CCA on page 52, it was asked What [...] - Reader Question:
Modifier -58 Indicates Stent is Staged Procedure
Question: A right and left catheter (93526), coronary angiography (93545), stent (92980) with angioplasty (92982) [...]
