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Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

51102 Trumps 51100 in This Case

Published on Mon Oct 04, 2010

Question: The doctor performed an ultrasound-guided catheter placement via suprapubic approach into urinary bladder. What are the codes for this procedure? I'm thinking 51100 and 76942. Is that correct?Illinois SubscriberAnswer: The first code you should report for this procedure is 51102 (Aspiration of bladder; with insertion of suprapubic catheter). This code is more appropriate and specific than simply 51100 (Aspiration of bladder; by needle) because your physician placed the catheter via suprapubic approach. Then, report the ultrasound code that you suggested: 76942 (Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement [e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device], imaging supervision and interpretation).
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