Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Which ICD-9 code should I report for an extremity and central venogram screening for vein patency? The patient presented for a screening before pacemaker placement. Georgia Subscriber Answer: CMS and the ICD-9 official guidelines agree you should report the appropriate preoperative exam code on your claim first. In this case, that would be V72.81 (Preoperative cardiovascular examination). But you will need to report additional codes to reflect the reason for the surgery, the reason for the test, and any findings, as well. Official guidelines: The "ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting," effective Oct. 1, 2008, state: "For patients receiving preoperative evaluations only, sequence first a code from category V72.8, Other specified examinations, to describe the preop consultations. Assign a code for the condition to describe the reason for the surgery as an additional diagnosis. Code also any findings related to the pre-op evaluation" (www.cdc.gov/nchs/datawh/ftpserv/ftpicd9/ftpicd9.htm). CMS: In 2001, [...]