Wiki Insert Central Venous Catheter

[dchew]

I have a a Pulmonary doctor who is called to the hopital to insert CV lines (subclavian) and I am having a problem with Medicare paying code 36556 beacuse of the LMRP for this code. It is not being done for hemodialysis. Any suggestions on getting this paid?

 

[Brenda L]

36556

What diagnosis code did you submit on the claim?

 

[dchew]

We have had several claims some of the dx codes have been 038.9, 507.0,511.8

 

[Brenda L]

helpful tip

We use diagnosis code 459.81 for venous insufficiency because that is usually the reason the cath is being placed and then add the other codes. It works for us.

 

[dchew]

Thanks for your help. I will try it that way, Medicare just drives me nuts sometimes.