This was just posted on the RBMA (Radiology Business Managers Association) coding forum regarding the azygos vein imaging. There are 2 different posts, one from 10/1/10 & the other from 8/3/10.
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From: Walt Blackham
Sent: Friday, October 01, 2010 3:30:53 PM
To: RBMA Coding Forum
Subject: Re: azygos vein?
Auto forwarded by a Rule
There is nothing for azygos vein imaging. 75774, angio after basic exam, would be OK except that lately the use of this code has been discouraged when coding imaging after selecting a vein not mentioned in CPT. So if you want anything it would have to be UPC for the time being.
Walt Blackham
On 10/1/2010 1:11 PM, wrote:
Hi All- Rad selects rt and lt internal jugular veins and then advances the catheter into the azygos vein and lumbar vein. Jugular veins are 36012, I believe. What order would the azygos and lumbar veins be? I have no good resources (diagrams) for this one...thanks!
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From: Jeff Majchrzak
Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2010 9:57:47 AM
To: RBMA Coding Forum
Subject: RE: azygos venogram coding - 2nd request Auto forwarded by a Rule
I agree with Walt on 75774. Cross-reference in CPT 2010 leads us only to arterial codes, but the true spirit of the code seems to me to be for any selective vessel after basic exam. Maybe 2011 cross-reference notes will be updated in CPT?
Jeff
Jeff Majchrzak BA, RT(R), CNMT, RCC, CIRCC Vice President of Radiology Services
MedLearn. Clearly the Answer.
In a message dated 8/3/2010 1:54:30 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Walt Blackham wrote:
There is no close match for the azygos. I would use 75774 and hope that the payer thinks that angiogram in the code descriptor can refer to arteries or veins.
Walt Blackham
On 8/2/2010 1:12 PM, Pat wrote:
Right common femoral vein punctured, advanced to IVC, then into SVC, right and then left internal jugular venogram performed. Then the azygos vein was selected and venogram performed.
The azygos vein is the issue. Im not sure which venography code this vein would fall under. SVC?
Thanks!
Pat