Wiki Unsuccessful Femoral Access During Cath

[10marty]

Can I bill for unsuccessfull attempts to gain access via the femoral arteries? My MD attempted both femorals and ended up using the radial artery for cath access.

Please advise.

Marty

 

[dpeoples]

Can I bill for unsuccessfull attempts to gain access via the femoral arteries? My MD attempted both femorals and ended up using the radial artery for cath access.

Please advise.

Marty

IMO, you should not bill for unsuccessfull access attempts when access was eventually achieved at another location. Finding suitable access is part of the procedure.

If the physician gets a blood return (on attempted access) but the procedure is not performed, then you might have a code (36140/36120/36000 etc) depending on documentation.

HTH