AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2004 Issue 4; VOLUME 3 NEW/REVISED PROCEDURE CODES
Left Atrial Appendage Device
Effective October 1, 2004, code 37.90 has been created for the insertion of a left atrial appendage device. This procedure involves the percutaneous insertion of a device to the left atrial appendage. The device is inserted via a catheter-based delivery system with the patient under conscious sedation. The device is a metal cage or frame made of nitinol. The device is permanently implanted distal to or at the ostium of the left atrial appendage. Depending on the manufacturer, the device may be an occluder or a filter. Fluoroscopy, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and/or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) may be used...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains the introduction of an inpatient procedure code for left atrial appendage device insertion, along with the clinical setting in which the procedure is performed. It also notes related imaging guidance and illustrates how the procedure may be reported in the context of atrial fibrillation. The content is relevant for hospital coders, coding educators, CDI professionals, and revenue cycle teams reviewing procedure coding updates.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding this update helps coders recognize when the left atrial appendage device procedure is represented in inpatient coding and how related services may be considered in the same encounter. It is useful for accurate code assignment, documentation review, and training around cardiovascular procedure coding changes.
Article Sections
-
Overview of the procedure and clinical context
Introduces the procedure, the general method of device placement, and the clinical circumstances in which it is performed. Also discusses the broader cardiovascular context for the topic.
-
New code 37.90 and related code listing
Presents the new inpatient procedure code and a brief listing of related terms and exclusions associated with the topic. The section focuses on the code update itself and nearby index content.
-
Coding example
Provides a sample scenario involving atrial fibrillation, device implantation, and imaging guidance. The section illustrates the type of coding discussion included in the article.
What You Will Learn
- The purpose and clinical setting of left atrial appendage device insertion.
- That the article addresses an inpatient procedure coding update.
- How related imaging guidance is discussed in connection with the procedure.
- How the topic is framed for coding education and hospital reporting.
Who Should Read This
- Hospital coders
- Coding educators
- CDI specialists
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Clinical documentation staff
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com