• 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..

PDA Closure

L

lenamarie73

Networker
Messages
30
Hi All,
Just wanted to know if anyone knows how to code a PDA closure with Amplatzer Duct Occluder? :confused:

Thanks :)

Lena
 
here's one idea...


33822/33824]: The physician gains access to the mediastinum through an incision through the posterolateral left chest wall (posterolateral thoracotomy). The physician dissects through the posterior chest wall musculature to expose the superior mediastinum. The physician dissects away the tissues surrounding the ductus and passes several heavy ligatures around the ductus and ties it off (ligation) at each end. The physician occludes the ductus with vascular clamps and divides the ductus with scissors. The physician closes the aortic end with suture, then closes the pulmonary stump. The physician removes the vascular clamps, sutures the pleura closed, closes the remaining surgical incisions and dresses the chest wall wound. The physician may leave chest tubes and/or a mediastinal drainage tube in place following the procedure. Report 33824 if the patient is 18 years and older.
 
Lena,

I looked at a couple of web sites including Amplatzers and you are probably looking at an unlisted code. Codes 93580, 93581, 37204 or 36013 are not appropriate, but may provide a basis for estimating RVUs.

It appears that the Amplatzer device has FDA approval [I assume the procedure does also]. However, this does not imply that any insurer provides coverage for the procedure or the device. [Are you participating in any type of post approval studies or trials for this devise?]

This site has some general information on transcatheter repairs of ASD, VSD and PDA: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/97/6/609.
It may also provide leads to additional information.

This Amplatzer site has specific information on the devise/procedure:
http://www.amplatzer.com/USProducts/PDADevice/tabid/193/Default.aspx.

On the right side, notice a link for reimbursement advise. I would contact Amplatzer and see what they recommend for coding and billing. With that information, I would contact prospective payers and work with them on the reimbursement issues. While you're on the Amplatzer site, I would find and download a good written description of the procedure and devise.

Good luck.

Terry Davis
CPC
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top