Right Heart Catheterization and Endomyocardial Biopsy
Posted: Jul 15 2009, 10:46 AM
myaden
Good morning! I have a question in regards to Cardiac Cath procedures. When exactly would it be appropriate to bill CPT code 93501 with CPT code 93505? I am not sure that I am completely understanding the regulations on this particular service. I know a modifier is allowed, but I don't want to do that unless I know that is it appropriate for that given service based on the documentation. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
Michelle Yaden, CPC, CEMC, CPC-I
The jugular vein was cannulated percutaneously with a 5F sheath, 50 cm Ceres biopsy forceps was introduced from the sheath into the rt. ventricle and angled toward the ventricular septum. 5 right endomyocardial biopsies were obtained. The biotome was replaced with a wedge catheter and blood samples were taken and sent for studies. The wedge catheter was then advanced prograde into the rt pulmonary artery by way of rt atrium, rt ventricle and main pulmonary artery. Pressures were recorded. Several chambers were entered. Catheter and sheath were withdrawn, hemostasis achieved.
Am I thinking right in the fact that the biopsy (93505) should only be reported and not both codes (93501 and 93505). Just want to make sure. Thanks for helping! This is not my area of expertise.
Michelle
The endomyocardial biopsy is performed to diagnose cardiomyopathy or myocarditis as examples. Look to what was the reason for the biopsy and then, what was the reason for the right heart cath.