On-Demand Webinar: Coding for Head and Neck Vessels-Q&A Handout

Q&A Handout

Pdf Summary

This Q&A Handout summarizes the key points from a Coding for Head and Neck Vessels Webinar. The document addresses various coding questions related to procedures involving head and neck vessels. Here are the main points:<br /><br />- Q1: Coding for Thrombectomy in Intracranial Arteries (Middle, Anterior) and TCAR for Stent placement for Common Carotid Artery should be reviewed for possible unbundling.<br />- Q2: All ipsilateral angiography is included in interventions, while contralateral angiography may require a modifier for separate billing.<br />- Q3: Cervical carotid stent is coded per the vessel closest to the heart, while stents in other locations have specific codes.<br />- Q4: Code embolic protection device only if utilized and well-documented in the operative note.<br />- Q5: 36215 is a first order cath placement, while 36218 is additional selective 2nd or 3rd order cath placement.<br />- Q6: Short injections of tPA after an angiogram are included in the procedure.<br />- Q7-Q8: Cath placements are not separately reported with carotid interventions.<br />- Q9: 37215 is for cervical carotid stent placement, while 37218 is for intrathoracic or innominate carotid stent placement.<br />- Q10: Arterial interventions can be reported at the site of bypass when performed for inflow and outflow.<br />- Q11: Cryovein can be considered as an alternative to patient vein in bypass procedures.<br />- Q12: For stent placement at the external carotid artery, use code 37215. Repair of carotid artery aneurysm usually requires open direct repair or bypass.<br />- Q13: Thrombectomy/embolectomy removes blood clots, while thromboendarterectomy clears plaque blockages in arteries.<br />- Q14: No separate code for cutdowns; code 37215 for open or percutaneous access.<br />- Q15: Code 36221 includes interpretation of the subclavian artery; no need to code separately.<br />- Q16: Antegrade approach refers to the normal direction of blood flow.<br /><br />These points cover the essential information regarding coding for head and neck vessel procedures as discussed in the webinar.

Keywords

Coding for Thrombectomy

TCAR for Stent placement

ipsilateral angiography

contralateral angiography

Cervical carotid stent

embolic protection device

first order cath placement

short injections of tPA

cath placements

cryovein