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Basics of ipsilateral vs contralateral “Ipsilateral” and “contralateral” are terms used to describe the relationship between two structures or sides of the body. Here’s what they mean: Ipsilateral: This term refers to structures or conditions that are located on the same side of the body. For example, if you have pain in your right leg … Read more
Basics of Percutaneous Lung Biopsy Cpt code In interventional radiology, we have many CPT codes for Biopsy procedures. Breast biopsy has the most number of CPT codes to code in Percutaneous surgery. Now, as we know biopsy procedure are done to take sample of particular organ and study it to find any abnormal finding in … Read more
Basics about CPT code for stent placement in AV fistula Coding guidelines for AV Fistula procedure codes is little different in interventional radiology coding. I have faced many challenges while coding these AV fistula procedure codes. However, as I was coding charts I was learning how to get a correct code for procedure performed. Here, … Read more
Basics of CPT code for Arteriogram We know many procedures which includes puncturing of an artery. For any examination of any artery, the physician needs to examine the artery by inserting a catheter into the artery. For upper or lower extremity artery exam, will use only one CPT code for arteriography or ateriogram. We have … Read more
Coding guide for Gastrostomy Tube Placements CPT codes A percutaneous insertion of a gastrostomy tube is performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Gastrointestinal tube procedures involve percutaneous placement of a tube through the skin, directly into the stomach, small bowel, or large bowel, to allow feedings and/or suction of gastrointestinal contents. We have learnt previously similar exam … Read more
A muscle biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose diseases involving muscle tissue. The provider will remove tissue and cells from a specific muscle and view them microscopically. Your provider will only need to remove a small piece of tissue from the designated muscle. The muscle can be superficial (Situated nearer the surface of the body) or deep(situated far beneath the surface). … Read more
Basics of CPT code 38792 Sentinel node is the first in the chain of lymph nodes which drains lymphatic fluid from the malignant tumor. In sentinel lymph node injection the physician tries to identify the first lymph node receiving lymphatic drainage from a tumor. Sentinel lymph node injection is done commonly for breast cancer and … Read more
Basics about CPT code 36473, 36474, 36475 and 36476 As we know there have been many changes in Procedures codes in 2017. I have already discussed about the removal of moderate sedation from more than 400 CPT codes in 2017. Also, we have new cpt codes for coding moderate conscious sedation in 2017. Today, again … Read more
Selective versus Non Selective Catheter Placement There are two types of vascular catheter placements: Non-selective and Selective Non-selective catheter placement is any of the following: Placement of a catheter or intra-catheter into the access vessel and leaving it in that vessel, Advancement of the catheter more centrally in the same access vessel, or advancement of … Read more
Modifiers play a very important role in procedure coding. As a medical coder, I have always struggled a lot in using modifiers. Even when I was preparing for my CPC exam, I was not much confident with the use of modifiers. But, after years of experience in medical coding, I have now gain confidence in … Read more