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For coding Vascular procedures, it is very important to understand the concept of vascular families. Vascular families are located in Appendix L in CPT codebook. Vascular family is made of branches of arteries arising from aorta. We have different vascular families from head to leg. You can refer the below image and know how they … Read more
Basics of CPT code CPT code 64400 – 64448 The physician injects one or more anesthetic agents and/or steroids near a branch of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic, maxillary, or mandibular) in CPT code 64400 or the greater occipital nerve in 64405. The trigeminal nerve supplies sensory and motor fibers to the face, and is usually … Read more
Standard procedure for CPT code for Myelogram Myelography uses a real-time form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and an injection of contrast material to evaluate the spinal cord, nerve roots and spinal lining (meninges). Myelogram is done to examine the spinal cord and nerves that come out of the spinal cord to look at spinal and … Read more
Basics of Fine Needle aspiration CPT code 10021 Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a percutaneous procedure performed with the use of fine gauge needle (mostly around 22 to 25 gauge). A syringe is also used to remove the sample fluid from the cyst or to remove clusters of cells from a solid mass. FNA procedure … Read more
Breast biopsies are very common procedure in interventional radiology coding. When I started coding breast biopsy, I used to code the biopsy and imaging guidance separately. But, later with new updates, CPT codes for breast biopsy and imaging guidance were bundled. This has made the job of a coder lot easier. Also, now we have … Read more
Basics about Kyphoplasty & Sacroplasty Procedures codes Percutaneous augmentation of the vertebra is performed to treat a compression fracture caused by osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, primary or metastatic malignant lesions, benign lesions, or traumatic injury of the spine. Kyphoplasty requires cavity creation (augmentation) and injection of cement to fill the cavity and replace the vertebral body marrow. … Read more
Basics about hsg test/Hysterosalpingogram Cpt Code 58340 Hysterosalpingogram or hsg scan/test is an x-ray study inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. During this procedure a dye is injected through the vagina and into the uterus. The dye flows both into uterus and fallopian tubes. Images are obtained using fluoroscopy. The image helps in finding … Read more
Basics of Paracentesis CPT code update Abdominal paracentesis is done to remove the accumulated fluid in the abdomen cavity. The abnormal fluid in abdominal cavity is called ascites. Abdminal paracentesis is done majorly to remove ascites. Earlier we have to code Abdominal paracentesis along with imaging guidance. But, the new bundled codes are having imaging guidance … Read more
Basics about 62270 CPT code (Lumbar Puncture) A lumbar spinal puncture is performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed in your lower back, in the lumbar region. During a lumbar puncture, a needle is inserted between two lumbar bones (vertebrae) to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord to protect … Read more
In percutaneous surgery procedures, imaging guidance plays a very important role. For example, the use of ultrasound, fluoroscopy, MRI, CT guidance in biopsy, injection procedures. Also, the imaging guidance CPT code varies from vascular to non-vascular procedures. For non-vascular procedures like biopsy, joint injection, Fine needle aspiration etc. use of ultrasound guidance CPT code 76942 is used. … Read more