tci E/M Coding Alert - 2014 Issue 11

Reader Question: Use 99253 When Payer Accepts Consult Codes

Question: Our vascular surgeon performed an inpatient consultation for acute ischemia of the foot and advised the patient that he should undergo angiography with possible intervention. Later that day, the surgeon  performed the angiography and mechanical thrombectomy with fluro of the popliteal artery on the patient. How should I code this? Colorado Subscriber Answer: Your surgeon performed a consultation, and if your payer still accepts the consultation codes (99251-99255, Inpatient consultation for a new or established patient, …), you should report it as such.  Because the surgeon made the decision for surgery during this encounter, you&rsquo...

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