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Pulmonology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Avoid Confusion Over Lavage and Cell Washing Reporting

Published on Wed Dec 11, 2013

Question: Bronchoscopy dictation states, “copious amounts of mucopurulent, brownish material noted in all airways. These were removed with suction and lavage, and samples were sent to lab for routine studies.” Should this be coded as 31622? California Subscriber Answer: Your physician may do a bronchoalveolar lavage with a diagnostic intent, though sometimes it may be done as a treatment for [...]
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