AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1987 September - October
Plethysmography
Plethysmography is a noninvasive procedure used to determine the functional status of the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory systems. Plethysmography is coded according to its purpose or use and not by the type of instrument or technology used, such as air-filled (pneumatic), capacitance, differential, photoelectric, strain-gauge (mercury), impedance (provocative), or water-filled. The various types of plethysmography are described below: Body plethysmography, 89.38, is used in specialized centers and in large teaching institutions to determine airway resistance and functional residual lung capacity in patients suspected or known to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or constrictive lung disease. In body plethysmography...
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Article Overview
This article explains plethysmography as a diagnostic procedure and compares its major clinical applications across cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, and peripheral vascular evaluation. It is relevant for coders, billing staff, and clinical documentation teams who need to understand how the topic is grouped by purpose and how the associated coding references are organized in the source material.
Why This Topic Matters
Plethysmography appears in multiple clinical contexts, so accurate topic recognition helps users distinguish the relevant diagnostic use and locate the corresponding coding references in the premium article.
Article Sections
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Overview
Introduces plethysmography as a noninvasive diagnostic procedure and explains how it is categorized by purpose rather than instrument type.
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Body plethysmography
Covers one respiratory application of plethysmography and the general setting in which it is performed.
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Thoracic impedance plethysmography
Describes a thoracic use of plethysmography and the broad monitoring purposes associated with it.
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Note
Includes a timing note related to one coding reference and an additional use mentioned in the article.
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Oculoplethysmography
Summarizes a cerebrovascular application used in patient evaluation and postoperative monitoring.
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Venous occlusion plethysmography
Covers an extremity blood-flow application and a related refinement of the technique.
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Plethysmography, peripheral vascular
Describes a peripheral vascular use of plethysmography in broad diagnostic contexts.
What You Will Learn
- How plethysmography is categorized in the article
- Which broad clinical systems are discussed
- How the article groups different plethysmography applications
- What general diagnostic contexts are associated with the topic
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Healthcare revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
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