Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I’ve heard that we won’t be able to use G0392 and G0393 in 2010. Is this true?

Indiana Subscriber

Answer: Yes. According to the HCPCS 2010 code set release, HCPCS 2010 does delete G0392 (Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; for maintenance of hemodialysis access, arteriovenous fistula or graft; arterial) and G0393 (… venous).

Before CMS established these codes in 2007 for Medicare patients, you reported a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of an arterial AV fistula or graft using 35475 (Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; brachiocephalic trunk or branches, each vessel) for the procedure and 75962 (Transluminal balloon angioplasty, peripheral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation) for the imaging.

When the radiologist performed a venous AV fistula or graft angioplasty, you used 35476 (… venous) for the procedure and 75978 (Transluminal balloon angioplasty, venous [e.g., subclavian stenosis], radiological supervision and interpretation) for the imaging.

The 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule lists 35475 as status “R,” meaning special coverage instructions apply. Code 35476 is status “A,” or Active. Stay tuned to future issues for news of Medicare guidance on properly coding these services.

Resource: You can download the 2010 HCPCS codes at www.cms.hhs.gov/HCPCSReleaseCodeSets/ANHCPCS/list.asp.