Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Do codes 99144, 36140, 36245, and 75710 require any modifiers to be paid when reported together?Codify MemberAnswer: You will find that Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits bundle 36140 (Introduction of needle or intracatheter; extremity artery) into 36245 (Selective catheter placement, arterial system; each first order abdominal, pelvic, or lower extremity artery branch, within a vascular family). If the situation supports reporting both codes (for example, there are two access points), you will need to append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to 36140 to override the edit. Before you override the edit, double check that you have two truly separate services.Example 1: The radiologist performs both a nonselective catheterization and a selective catheterization. He performs them through two separate catheters introduced into two separatearteries. In this case, you may append modifier 59 to 36140.Example 2: The radiologist performs the nonselective catheterization and selective catheterization at two separate patient encounters on [...]