Radiology Coding Alert

Following add-on code requirements is key to +76937, +77001 success. When your radiologist performs central venous access (CVA) catheter and device insertion, don't get sidetracked and forget to report the imaging guidance, too. CPT guidelines state that you may report +76937 or +77001, as appropriate, and that could add $15 to $100 to your reimbursement. Dig for More Than Vein ID for +76937 If your radiologist uses ultrasound guidance, report +76937 (Ultrasound guidance for vascular access requiring ultrasound evaluation of potential access sites, documentation of selected vessel patency, concurrent realtime ultrasound visualization of vascular needle entry, with permanent recording and reporting [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) in addition to the CV access device placement code, says John F. Bishop, PA-C, CPC, MS, CWS, president of Tampa, Fla.-based Bishop and Associates. Warning: Don't report +76937 if your physician uses ultrasound only to identify a vein and mark [...]