Radiology Coding Alert

Reporting 75790 for AV shunt eval goes the way of the dodo. If you've noticed a trend toward guidance-inclusive procedure codes, you're right. Along those lines, CPT 2010 adds AV shunt cath placement and angiography to that growing list. Keep in mind: The code changes are effective Jan. 1, so take steps now to be sure you're ready to apply the new codes from day one. Watch Initial vs. Additional for Clean Claims CPT 2010 ousts 2009 codes 36145 (Introduction of needle or intracatheter; arteriovenous shunt created for dialysis [cannula, fistula, or graft]) and 75790 (Angiography, arteriovenous shunt [e.g., dialysis patient], radiological supervision and interpretation) and instead instructs you to consider the following new surgical codes. Crucial: These new codes include imaging: • 36147 -- Introduction of needle and/or catheter, arteriovenous shunt created for dialysis (graft/fistula); initial access with complete radiological evaluation of dialysis access, including fluoroscopy, image documentation and report [...]