![]() ![]() This new list of codes identifies several factors that should guide the codes you use when you insert central venous catheters. In 2004, however, the AMA released 27 new codes (CPT codes 36555-36597) in the CPT-4 manual. In previous years, there were only a handful of codes to choose from when inserting a central line. The CPT guidelines tell us that in order to qualify as a central venous access catheter or device, “the tip of the catheter/device must terminate in the subclavian, brachiocephalic (innominate), or iliac veins, the superior or inferior vena cava, or the right atrium.” The catheter can be inserted centrally (in the jugular, subclavian, femoral vein or inferior vena cava catheter site) or peripherally (via the basilic or cephalic vein). In future columns, I’ll focus on documentation for other common procedures performed by hospitalists. In this month’s column, I’ll explain how to document this procedure, and how that documentation affects your use of critical care codes. Just this year, in fact, CPT released a new set of codes specifically for inserting central lines. If these codes don’t apply, you can consider an appropriate subsequent hospital visit code.īut services that fall outside of E/M guidelines “and inserting central lines is a good example “call for an entirely different set of codes. In many instances in which you’re seeing a critically ill or critically injured patient in the ICU, critical care services codes naturally apply once you’ve spent more than 30 minutes on the patient’s care. In previous columns, I’ve discussed coding and documentation guidelines for general critical care services. Make sure you deduct the time you spend on a procedure from the time you count in critical care services codes. ![]() And from what I hear, many hospitalists could use a little help properly billing for these procedures. Central venous lines are common in the inpatient setting, but they are often handled by the ICU and not performed on the wards.Īt smaller hospitals and rural facilities that don’t always have enough intensivists on hand, however, hospitalists often find themselves performing procedures like inserting central lines. ![]() I know what many of you are probably thinking: As a hospitalist, you don’t perform these types of procedures every day. Look for the latest tips on billing and ICD-10.ĭo you know how to properly code for procedures like inserting a central venous line? Published in the December 2004 issue of Today’s Hospitalist ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |