AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2012 Issue 3 (Summer)
Bilateral Pulmonary Arteriography—Thrombolysis Infusion
A practical guide to correct coding Bilateral Pulmonary Arteriography—Thrombolysis Infusion Clinical History Dyspnea, chest pain, severe hypoxia; abnormal ventilation/perfusion lung scan interpreted as high probability for pulmonary emboli Procedure Bilateral pulmonary arteriography—thrombolysis infusion Technique 37201 50 75896 x2 36015 50 75743 59 Access is acquired from the right and left common femoral veins under direct ultrasound guidance. A 5-French pigtail catheter was prepared and advanced over an angled guidewire through the right femoral venous sheath. The catheter was advanced into the left interlobar pulmonary artery and an arteriogram was performed. The catheter was then removed over an exchange length...
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Article Overview
This article is a practical coding guide for an interventional radiology case involving bilateral pulmonary artery evaluation and thrombolysis infusion. It is aimed at coders, billers, and clinical documentation teams who need to understand the procedure components, associated imaging services, and supporting documentation considerations discussed in the example. The article also references CPT guidance and a SIR/ACR resource related to vascular access ultrasound reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Interventional radiology cases often combine diagnostic imaging, catheter placement, therapeutic infusion, and access guidance services. This article helps readers understand the scope of the case and the categories of coding guidance addressed in the premium content.
Article Sections
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Clinical History
Summarizes the presenting symptoms and the diagnostic context leading to the procedure.
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Procedure
Introduces the interventional radiology service performed in this case.
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Technique
Describes the catheter-based approach, vascular access, and infusion setup used during the study.
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Findings
Presents the imaging and procedural findings observed during the examination.
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Impression
Summarizes the overall diagnostic and therapeutic outcome of the case.
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How to Code
Reviews the coding topics associated with the diagnostic, therapeutic, and access-related components of the procedure.
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Discussion
Explains the broader coding guidance referenced for interventional radiology reporting and related documentation considerations.
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Coding Tip
Highlights supplemental guidance from an interventional radiology coding resource regarding ultrasound-guided vascular access reporting.
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References
Lists the supporting professional references cited by the article.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a bilateral pulmonary arteriography and thrombolysis case for coding review.
- Which interventional radiology service categories are discussed in the example.
- What documentation themes are emphasized for imaging, catheter placement, thrombolysis infusion, and ultrasound-guided access.
- Which professional coding references and guidance sources are cited in support of the example.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coding specialists
- Interventional radiology staff
- Billing and reimbursement professionals
- Clinical documentation improvement teams
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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