Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Can I get paid for 37202 when coded with 92980 or 92982? Is using modifier -59 possible?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Code 37202 (transcatheter therapy, transfusion other than for thrombolysis, any type [e.g., spasmolytic, vasoconstrictive]) is bundled with both 92980 (trancatheter placement of an intracoronary stent[s], percutaneous, with or without other therapeutic intervention, any method; single vessel) and 92982 (percutaneous transluminal caoronary balloon angioplasty; single vessel). Therefore, the procedures may not be billed separately under normal circumstances, says Susan Callaway-Stradley, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding and reimbursement specialist in North Augusta, S.C. Because the 37202 edits to 92980 and 92982 are followed by a 1 indicator in the Correct Coding Initiative, modifier -59 (distinct procedural service) may be used to override the edit if, for example, the transfusion was performed at a separate time on the same day.