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ZHealth Coding Newsletter - June 2013

Q & A with Dr. David Zielske

Question    

Is arch aortogram (36221) separately codeable with stent placement of subclavian artery?

I am a little confused when a non-selective cath placement of the aortic arch can be reported with a selective intervention of an upper extremity artery. It would seem in the report below that the physician had plans to perform the therapeutic procedure based on the history. In these cases, is the determining factor as to whether the non selective cath placement (36221) can be reported based on if it is related or not to the subclavian stent placement? How would a coder make that distinction?