Pulmonology Coding Alert
Reader Question ~ Solve Coding of Chemical Insertion
Published on Sat Jul 21, 2007
Question: What code should I assign for chemical pleurodesis? Answer: When a pulmonologist performs chemical pleurodesis for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax, you should use 32005 (Chemical pleurodesis [e.g., for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax]) with 512.8 (Other spontaneous pneumothorax).
Rhode Island Subscriber
In chemical pleurodesis, the pulmonologist introduces a caustic chemical (usually talc) into the pleural space to promote inflammation and, thus, prevent future episodes of pneumothorax from occurring.
Other Articles in this issue of
Pulmonology Coding Alert
- Specify Septic Embolism for the 1st Time Using New Circulatory Codes
CD-9 2008 will give you one more choice in the commonly reported 415.1x subcategory When [...] - Stop Using the 'Loophole' to Bill 99215
CPT and CMS require medical necessity for all E/M visits If you are a victim [...] - Why Modifiers 76 and 77 Matter -- Even When They Don't
Avoid duplicate denials by identifying 94640, 32002 as repeats Medicare considers modifiers 76 and 77 [...] - You Be the Coder ~ Can You Sometimes Break Out 31622?
Question: A pulmonologist performs washings in the left upper lobe and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) [...] - Reader Question ~ Rules Allow 2nd-Day Admit
Question: When a pulmonologist admits a patient from the office and doesn't provide the initial [...] - Reader Question ~ Compare 90779 for TPA to 90765
Question: When we report TPA infusions with an unlisted procedure, what code should we compare [...] - Reader Question ~ Solve Coding of Chemical Insertion
Question: What code should I assign for chemical pleurodesis?
Rhode Island Subscriber Answer: When a [...] - Reader Question ~ Washings & Interventions:
How Many CPT Codes?
Question: A pulmonologist performed a bronchoscopy under fluoroscopic guidance. Prior to suctioning, he positioned a [...]
View All
