Question about PICC lines

[ldeshaies74@gmail.com]

Hi, looking for advice on whether or not we can bill chest xrays with PICC lines or not. Medicare has been paying them when billed with a 59 mod but some other insurances will not. How are you all billing these?? thank you!!

 

[such78]

Hi, looking for advice on whether or not we can bill chest xrays with PICC lines or not. Medicare has been paying them when billed with a 59 mod but some other insurances will not. How are you all billing these?? thank you!!

Per 2022 Medicare NCCI "When a central venous catheter is inserted, a chest radiologic examination is usually performed to confirm the position of the catheter and absence of pneumothorax. The chest radiologic examination is integral to the procedure, and a chest radiologic examination (e.g., CPT codes 71045, 71046) shall not be reported separately".

For my understanding, you can report the chest XRay when you have different diagnosis from planned procedure to support medical necessity such as pneumonia. My hospital reports it for tracking purpose.