• 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 Stent in ramus and lad

Create Wiki
M

mshelly87

Guest
Messages
48
Best answers
0
What is the correct way to code a stent placement in the ramus intermedius and the LAD? Thanks in advance.
 
The Ramus is a branch off the Left Main and lies between the LAD and LCX and not everyone has a Ramus. Instead of the Left Main splitting into 2 vessels (LD And LC) it splits into 3 vessles (LD, LC and Ramus). But the Ramus is considered a branch (and not a vessel)of the either the LD or the LC so the branch rules apply

So basically you are placing a stent on 1 vessel and another stent on a branch of a 2nd vessel with both coming off of the Left Main. Medicare has been pretty clear that they will only consider interventions on the 3 vessles identified by CPT, the LD, LC and RC.

So for codng, the Ramus can be coded as either a branch of the LD or the LC. So suggest coding
92980-LD (your LAD vessel)
92981-LC (the ramus branch of the LC)
 
Thanks for responding, that is how I have been coding it but for some reason I was second guessing myself this time. I also have another question I was wondering if you would be willing to tackle. When aortography is done in conjuction with stend and cath and stent an report states aortography confirms only 2 patent grafts. No dissecction anuerysm how should this be coded? I have been using the 93544 unless they comment on renals or something. Is this correct?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top