AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2020 Quarter 2; Ask the Editor
Bilateral intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
A patient with stenosis of the right and left external iliac veins and right and left common iliac veins presented for treatment. Access to the vasculature was from the left common femoral vein using an up and over approach. A venogram was performed which did not correlate with the patient’s clinical picture, therefore, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed evaluating the right and left femoral vein, the right and left common femoral vein, the right and left external iliac vein, the right and left common iliac vein and the inferior vena cava to the right atrium. The findings indicated severe stenosis in the proximal left common iliac vein, moderate stenosis in the right common iliac vein and moderate stenosis in the proximal right external iliac vein and milder moderate stenosis in the left external lilac vein, each area of stenosis was separate and distinct from the other lesions. Decision was then made to perform balloon angioplasty with one stent placed in the right common iliac vein (CIV)/external iliac vein (EIV) and one stent placed in the left (CIV)/(EIV). How many codes are assigned to capture the bilateral IVUS? ...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This premium article reviews a venous imaging and intervention scenario involving bilateral iliac and femoral vein assessment with intravascular ultrasound. It is aimed at coding professionals who need to understand the clinical context, the imaging workup, and the associated procedural considerations for vascular and interventional services. The article focuses on how the study is performed, what vessel territories are evaluated, and how findings relate to subsequent treatment planning.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting of vascular imaging and intervention services depends on understanding the anatomic extent of evaluation and the procedural context. This article helps readers distinguish the clinical scenario and scope of service involved in bilateral venous IVUS cases.
What You Will Learn
- The clinical context for bilateral venous intravascular ultrasound
- The vessel territories evaluated during venous imaging
- How venous imaging findings relate to treatment planning
- The relationship between diagnostic imaging and endovascular intervention
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Interventional radiology staff
- Vascular surgery billing teams
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com