Reader Question:
Examine X-Ray and Fluoro on Same Date
Published on Tue May 25, 2010
Question: When, on the same date, the radiologist places a central venous access device using fluoroscopy and then several hours later interprets a chest X-ray for the same patient because of breathing issues, may I report both the fluoro and the X-ray? Answer: Yes, you may report a chest X-ray performed later in the day in addition to fluoroscopy performed for a distinct reason earlier in the day. Example: For the device placement service, you report the fluoro (+77001, Fluoroscopic guidance for central venous access device placement, replacement [catheter only or complete], or removal [includes fluoroscopic guidance for vascular access and catheter manipulation, any necessary contrast injections through access site or catheter with related venography radiologic supervision and interpretation, and radiographic documentation of final catheter position] [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) as well as the code for the device placement. Then for the X-ray, you report the [...]