Aneurysm Repair Medical Billing Coding

Aneurysm Repair Medical Billing Coding

In medical billing, surgery can be fairly easy to code. However, analysis of imaging after surgery can be slightly more complicated. The analysis of an aneurysm repair image can be a head scratcher for any medical billing staff member.

The year 2006 has brought many medical billing changes. Coding is one of those changes. There are two medical billing codes that would correctly describe an analysis of angiographic imaging after an aneurysm repair. 75956 (Endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta; involving coverage of left subclavian artery origin, initial end prosthesis plus descending thoracic aortic extension if required, to level of celiac artery origin, radiological supervision and interpretation) and the current procedural terminology code 75957 (…not involving coverage of left subclavian artery origin, initial end prosthesis plus descending thoracic aortic extension, if required, to level of celiac artery origin radiological supervision and interpretation) are the best choices.

When coding this interpretation it is important to keep in mind if that particular radiologist merely interprets the film or is also present during the surgery. The two previous medical billing codes listed above include the diagnostics prior to surgery , fluoroscopic guidance, and arterial angiography. These codes do not include the medical billing of the actual surgery.

If you were doing medical billing for the surgery as well, you would report the codes 33880-33881. As stated earlier, you must know if the radiologist was present during the surgery. If not, the medical billing code should be appended with modifier 52 (Reduced services).

Keeping the medical billing rules straight between surgery and interpretation can get hazy. Be sure your medical billing staff members know the difference between interpretation and surgical procedures. When it comes to claims, there is a big difference. Incorrect coding could lead to the refusal of medical billing payment.

View all Articles by: Melissa Clark, CCS-P