December 13, 2016

Question:
I see the new transluminal angioplasty codes include “all radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty”. Does that include diagnostic angiograms?

Answer:
No, it does not. The radiological supervision and interpretation (S&I) codes in the code description refer to the guidance radiological S&I for guidance, not diagnostic angiograms. If the rules are followed for reporting diagnostic angiograms at the same session as an intervention, a diagnostic angiogram may be reported with the angioplasty. Make sure to append a 59 modifier to the diagnostic study.

Webinar Alert!
The codes for AV access/dialysis circuit imaging and interventions all change on January 1, 2017.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/13/16.