General Surgery Coding Alert
Arm Isn't Only Access Graft Location
Question: What is a code for a dialysis access graft placement in the leg? The procedure involves an arteriovenous fistula anastomosis done for dialysis, but I’m not sure which codes we can use in the leg.
Texas Subscriber
Answer: Although many arteriovenous anastomosis codes are specific for the arm (such as 36818-36820, Arteriovenous anastomosis, open …), not all are.
Several codes are available for any site. You should choose the proper code for the procedure based on the details documented in the op report. For instance, you might report one of the following codes:
Look for documentation in the operative report to guide you in choosing the proper code.
General Surgery Coding Alert
- CPT® 2014:
34841-34848: Some AAA Repair s Get FEVAR Make-Over
Look for move from Category III to Category I. You can ditch 0078T-+0081T beginning Jan. [...] - Glossary:
Decode FEVAR Procedures With These Terms
Your surgeons’ op reports might use a variety of terms for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) [...] - ICD-10:
441.4 to 171.4: Expect Smooth AAA Diagnosis Code Transition
Understand diaphragm dividing line. The code numbers may change, but the distinguishing features that guide [...] - CPT® 2014:
Consider Malignant Tumor Origin for Radical Resection Codes
24 revised codes single out sarcoma. When your surgeon performs a radical resection to remove [...] - TCM Update:
CPT® 2014 Clarifies Transitional Care Management E/M Codes
You can use the codes for new patients, too. You’ve had a year to use [...] - You Be the Coder:
Arm Isn't Only Access Graft Location
Question: What is a code for a dialysis access graft placement in the leg? The [...] - Reader Question:
Choose 'Pexy' Over 'Ectomy'
Question: I have a surgical note that states that the surgeon “stapled prolapsed internal hemorrhoids.” [...] - Reader Question:
Define Date for Global Package
Question: The CPT® surgery guidelines state that the surgical package includes “one related E/M encounter [...] - Reader Question:
Code Service Beyond ERCP
Question: How should we report an ERCP when the surgeon extracts a gallstone and performs [...] - Reader Question:
Choose Nasal Code Over Skin
Question: The surgeon excised a 1.8 mm warty papilloma in the left nares on the [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Pigeon Hole E/M Services
Question: We recently finished our first internal audit and found a potential issue: One of [...]
