Radiology Coding Alert

Question: May I report embolization of the right bronchial artery for a right lung tumor and the left bronchial artery for a left lung tumor separately? Or is this the same concept as uterine artery embolization where I should only report one service? Illinois Subscriber Answer: You may report 37204 (Transcatheter occlusion or embolization [e.g., for tumor destruction, to achieve hemostasis, to occlude a vascular malformation], percutaneous, any method, non-central nervous system, non-head or neck) twice for a right and left lung embolization at the same encounter. AMA's CPT Assistant (October 1998) reveals the key to proper reporting: "Code 37204 is intended to be reported for each operative field addressed." The right and left bronchial arteries supply the right and left lungs, which are two separate operative fields. CPT Assistant suggests appending modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the codes for the second and subsequent fields. In addition, you should [...]