June 2015 Q & A

Question: Balloon Dilatation and Stenting of Intrathoracic Innominate Artery

The doctor would like to charge 36217, 37218, 75710-26 for this procedure: 1. Right femoral artery cannulated in retrograde fashion. 2. Catheter into orgin of the innominate. 3. Then catheter passed selectively into the origin of the common carotid artery. 4. Then catheter selective out into the subclavian and selctive angiography was performed and confirmed subclavian widely patent. 5. Balloon dilatation performed and did not get good result. 6. Stent placed over ostial and proximal portion of innominate artery.

September 2014 Q & A

Question: Vertebral Artery Stenting

Rt. vertebral artery origin has severe flow-limiting stenosis at level of C-6 and intracranially 50% and 40%. Procedure codes used are 0075T, 76937 x2, G0269, 36140. Impression: Rt. vertebral artery origin severe stenosis reduced to minimal residual after balloon mounted stent placement. Basilar artery flow is improved with lower blood pressure after the intra-arterial administration of vasodilator and rt. vertebral artery origin stent placement. Lt. superficial femoral artery arterial monitoring catheter placement.

Medicare is denying 0075T for modifier incompatibility. ...