AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2016 Issue 2 (Spring)
External Carotid Artery Branch Embolization
External Carotid Artery Branch Embolization CLINICAL HISTORY A 55-year-old man presents with right-sided refractory, recurrent epistaxis. He has nasal packing in place and is referred by the ear, nose, and throat service for embolization. PROCEDURE Informed consent was obtained from the patient. Universal protocol was completed. The patient was placed supine on the biplane angiography table. A time-out was performed. A registered nurse trained in physiologic monitoring who worked independently administered conscious sedation. Using sterile technique and lidocaine for local anesthesia, a right common femoral artery puncture was performed and a 5F sheath was placed. Through the sheath, a...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains coding for an interventional radiology case involving carotid angiography and embolization for epistaxis. It is relevant to coders, radiology practices, and quality-reporting staff who need to understand how the procedure, imaging follow-up, sedation, and fluoroscopy-related documentation are discussed in the context of CPT and HCPCS Level II reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
The article connects a real-world head and neck embolization case to the associated diagnostic and therapeutic coding concepts, including documentation elements and reporting considerations referenced by CMS quality measures.
Article Sections
-
Clinical History
Provides the patient presentation and reason for referral for the procedure. Establishes the clinical context for the coding discussion.
-
Procedure
Describes the angiographic workup, catheter-based treatment steps, imaging follow-up, and procedure documentation elements from the case.
-
How to Code
Lists the billing codes associated with the diagnostic and therapeutic services discussed in the example.
-
Discussion
Explains the coding context for the case, including procedural components, reporting considerations, and references to Medicare and quality-program guidance.
-
Coding Tips
Summarizes general guidance about reporting moderate sedation in relation to base procedure code inclusion and time-based reporting.
-
Sources
Provides reference citations supporting the example and coding discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames diagnostic angiography and embolization coding in a head and neck case
- Which documentation topics are highlighted for follow-up imaging and fluoroscopy reporting
- How moderate sedation is discussed in relation to base procedure coding
- What general CMS and PQRS-related reporting topics are included
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coders
- Interventional radiology staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance and quality-reporting staff
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
