AMA Clinical Examples in Radiology - 2012 Issue 1 (Winter)
Vena Cava Filter Placement
Vena Cava Filter Placement Clinical History Pulmonary embolism, treated with anticoagulation, now complicated by intracranial hemorrhage. Procedure Vena cava filter placement Technique The procedure, options, and risks were reviewed with the patient. After sterile preparation and local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine, 21-gauge, single-wall needle access was achieved in the right femoral vein using sonographic guidance because of unsuccessful attempts at venous access based on palpation and anatomic landmarks. The tract was converted with a micropuncture set to allow introduction of a 4-French pigtail catheter, which was advanced under fluoroscopic control to the inferior portion of the inferior vena cava...
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Article Overview
This article explains coding and reporting considerations for a vena cava filter placement procedure in interventional radiology. It is aimed at coders, billers, radiology practices, and clinicians who need to understand how the procedure is documented and how related reporting requirements are handled in a CPT-based setting. The discussion also touches on related quality reporting, bundled imaging services, and the broader family of vena cava filter procedure codes.
Why This Topic Matters
Vena cava filter procedures often involve imaging, vascular access, and related reporting elements that affect how the service is captured in claims and quality reporting workflows. Understanding the scope of the applicable CPT guidance helps reduce coding errors and supports consistent reporting.
Article Sections
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Clinical History
Summarizes the patient context and the reason the procedure was performed.
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Procedure
Describes the interventional service at a high level before the technical details are presented.
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Technique
Outlines the procedural workflow, imaging support, and access approach used during the intervention.
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Findings
Presents the procedural imaging and post-procedure observations documented in the report.
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Impression
Provides the concluding assessment from the procedural report.
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How to Code
Summarizes coding-oriented guidance, including reporting considerations and related quality documentation topics.
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Discussion
Reviews broader CPT background for vena cava filter services, bundled components, and related procedural families.
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Coding Tip
Highlights additional reporting considerations for vena cava filter services and associated procedural scenarios.
What You Will Learn
- The clinical and procedural context for vena cava filter placement
- How the article frames CPT-based coding for the service
- Which related imaging and vascular services are discussed as part of the broader guidance
- How reporting considerations connect to fluoroscopy documentation and quality reporting
- How the article situates placement, repositioning, and retrieval within the same code family
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Radiology coders
- Interventional radiology practices
- Physician billing staff
- Compliance and documentation teams
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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