Wiki Balloon Angioplasty Maturation (BAM) CPT Help

[treid@shenvalsurgery]

BAM: Balloon Angioplasty Maturation is an aggressive intervention to promote patency of fistulas to optimize their use for hemodialysis. Our two vascular surgeons are performing this procedure in the office. The problem is they are disputing how each other is ccoding. Does anyone have suggestion on CPT coding.

One vascular surgeon is coding:
CPT 36475 or 36476 (as indicated)
CPT 36147 and/ 36148 (if indicated)

The other is coding:
CPT 36475 or 36476 (as indicated)
CPT 76937 (which is definately incorrect)

Our vascular tech is performing the ultrasound prior to the procedure being done. Then the surgeon in coming into the room to perform the procedure. The vascular tech performs ultrasound only as guidence purpose.

Is anyone out there performing this procedure in the office?

reply to TReid@augustahealth.com

 

[lisammy]

My question is what are they documenting. If they are strictly dictating BAM and not cath placement or results or U/S guidence with permanent recording then i would only code 35475 or 35476(depending on placement). if dictating as a fistulogram with angioplasty or venogram with angioplasty then i would bill with the 36147 and 36147(if needed)If permanent record of U/S guidance then add 76937.
Good luck