Wiki insertion temporary balloon catheter, breast

[genacodes]

My surgeon installs a temporary balloon catheter in the breast at time of lumpectomy and sometimes after a reexcision for margins.

Later she installs the Mammosite catheter a day or two later.

All codes take me back to 19296 and 19697 which would be inappropriate for the temporary balloon catheter at the time of partial mastectomy.

I am unable to locate the correct code for the temporary balloon catheter insertion.

 

[lavanyamohan]

My surgeon installs a temporary balloon catheter in the breast at time of lumpectomy and sometimes after a reexcision for margins.

Later she installs the Mammosite catheter a day or two later.

All codes take me back to 19296 and 19697 which would be inappropriate for the temporary balloon catheter at the time of partial mastectomy.

I am unable to locate the correct code for the temporary balloon catheter insertion.

Reply-
The placement of a cavity evaluation device, best described by procedure code 19499, used as a placeholder for the Mammosite catheter, is considered to be part of global surgical service rendered and not eligible for separate reimbursement.

 

[mcpalmeter]

Hi,

What is the purpose of the temporary balloon catheter?

-Maryann

 

[genacodes]

the purpose of the temporary catheter is to hold the place where the Mammosite catheter will be inserted at a later date.

 

[mmelcam]

My physician does the mammosite also. I asked the same question when we first started doing them. I was told by the mammosite rep that the temporary balloon catheter is not billable. You just bill for the procedure (lumpectomy).

 

[janelkonda]

is this still valid for 2008 that you shouldn't charge for the temporay placement? jkonda@eidebailly.com