• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki leadless pacemaker removal, Open

Create Wiki Sort by votes
K

kessel

Contributor
Messages
10
Location
Billings, MT
Best answers
0
Hi and thanks in advance.
I have a doctor who removed the leadless pacemaker when he was replacing the aortic and mitral valve. This has been done as an open procedure see the following sentence. I am at a loss and thinking about doing an unlisted procedure.
"The pulmonary artery catheter was removed from the right ventricle and the leadless pacer in the RV was grasped and gently with traction pulled out of the RV. The catheter was then replaced."
 
0
Why was the leadless pacemaker removed, was the removal just an incidental procedure performed as part of the catheter removal and replacement? Why wasn't the pacemaker reimplanted after the valves were replaced? Was it medically necessary to remove the pacemaker that is documented elsewhere in the documentation that you didn't include in your initial post?

If it wasn't medically necessary to remove the pacemaker and it was only done to facilitate the valve replacements, I'm having a hard time seeing that the removal is a separately billable procedure. I may be incorrect in thinking this so if someone else has information about why this service should be covered/billable please don't hesitate to correct me and my opinion on this subject. I'm always looking to learn and would appreciate any response that educates me on why my thoughts on this matter are incorrect.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top