Wiki Chest & Pericardial Tubes Bundled in CABG?

[dpenning]

When you are coding a CABG and the op note indicates "three chest tubes inserted, two into the pericardium and one into the left pleural cavity"

Would you code these separately or consider them bundled?

Thanks,

dawn

 

[lisigirl]

I consider them bundled. Anytime a procedure involves going into the chest, I consider the chest tubes bundled.


Lisi, CPC

 

[jdrueppel]

CPT code 32551 is inclusive of CABG codes per NCCI edits. It has a status of "1" - over-ride allowed with modifier, however, in this case, over-ride is not appropriate per the Chapter 5 (CPT codes 30000-39999) of NCCI Overview. See excerpt below:

"The code descriptor for CPT code 32020 (32551 in 2008) defines it as a “separate procedure”. It is not separately reportable when performed at the same patient encounter as another open procedure on the ipsilateral side of the thorax."

Julie, CPC

 

[dpenning]

Thank you ladies. That was what I thought but it is good to get confirmation. I appreciate your input.

dawn