AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2006 Issue 4; VOLUME 3 NEW/REVISED CODES
Bronchial Valves
Effective October 1, 2006, new codes have been created to capture endoscopic insertion or replacements of bronchial valve(s) (33.71), endoscopic removal of bronchial device(s) or substances (33.78) and endoscopic insertion of other bronchial device or substances (33.79). Bronchial valves are a new therapy used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The bronchial valves are placed endoscopically. The valves close during inspiration and open during expiration, helping to reduce hyperinflation and air trapping. The valves are a less invasive alternative to lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and/or lung transplant. Only a small percentage of patients with...
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Article Overview
This article covers a coding update for bronchial valve-related bronchoscopic procedures and the broader clinical context for biologic lung volume reduction. It is relevant to coders, CDI teams, and respiratory or thoracic specialists who need to understand the scope of the new procedure category, the associated endoscopic services, and the general clinical setting in which these therapies are used.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate identification of procedure categories and related bronchial device services is important for records involving interventional pulmonary care and evolving treatment options for obstructive lung disease. The article helps readers recognize the new code structure and the clinical setting in which these procedures may appear.
Article Sections
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Overview of bronchial valve therapy
Introduces bronchial valves as a treatment approach for obstructive lung disease and describes the general therapeutic context. It also notes how the therapy relates to other lung volume reduction options.
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Procedure volume and device permanence
Summarizes general information about how the therapy is performed and why removal may sometimes be necessary. The section provides broad context about implantation and follow-up considerations.
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New subcategory 33.7 and related endoscopic bronchial device services
Presents the new procedure grouping for endoscopic insertion, replacement, and removal services in the bronchus or lung. It also identifies related exclusionary context and additional bronchial device service categories.
What You Will Learn
- The clinical context for bronchial valve therapy
- The general scope of the procedure update affecting bronchial device services
- How the new bronchial endoscopic service category is organized
- The relationship between bronchial valve therapy and biologic lung volume reduction
- Why bronchial valve procedures may involve multiple device placements or later removal
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation integrity specialists
- Respiratory care professionals
- Thoracic surgery teams
- Pulmonology practices
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
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