Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

For a transcatheter based cerebral angiogram when the surgen punctures the right femoral artery we use code 34160 for the introduction. But what happens when this was not able to be advanced past the level of the right common iliac artery and he removes the needle and does this same tecnique in the left femoral artery do we code 34160 with a 50 modifier????

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

Whatever modifier you use is most likely going to be payer specific. Some carriers want to see 50 others 59 or Rt, LT.

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

I would also consider modifier 52 for reduced services.

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

[I would also consider modifier 52 for reduced services.]

52 would not be necessary you are coding for what you did without the 52. the code is "Introduction of needle or intracatheter, extremity artery". What was asked in this question is just that. Had the ctheter been advanced then you would lose this code and move on to the hiearcy.

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

I see. That's why I said that I would consider it because I wasn't positive. I was only trying to help. Thank you for clarifying that for me and for the original poster. :)

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

Thank you. You guys are awsome

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

I feel silly but the code was actually 36140...sorry and I also wanted to know due to the new codes such as 36226 if this is done bilaterally would I report 36226 and then 36226 with a modifier 50 or just use the 36226 with the modifer 50 by itself

re: Code 34160 introduction of needle or catheter

Don't feel silly. If I had a nickel for every time I transposed a code....

Betsy

re: Code 34160 introduction of neeled or catheter

[I feel silly but the code was actually 36140...sorry and I also wanted to know due to the new codes such as 36226 if this is done bilaterally would I report 36226 and then 36226 with a modifier 50 or just use the 36226 with the modifer 50 by itself]

Deff dont feel silly, we knew what you meant by the verbage!!!!