Cardiology Question for the Week of August 22, 2022

Question:

If instead, selective renal angiography is performed, can I submit 36251–36254 as appropriate in addition to a cardiac catheterization procedure?

Answer:

There are four “bundled” codes (36251–36254) that include several portions of the study. Included in these codes are the vascular access, fluoroscopy, catheter placement, flush aortography, the S&I code itself, pressures and image-post processing. These codes also include any accessory renal arteries that may be engaged, injected, and imaged. An easy way to separate and understand how these four choices may be used is as follows. Codes 36251 and 36252 include first-order selective catheterization and imaging from these first-order placements. The codes are for unilateral (36251) or bilateral (36252) procedures. Codes 36253 and 36254 include selective catheterization of a second order or higher. The codes are for unilateral second + order (36253) or bilateral second + order (36254) of selectivity studies.

This question was answered in our Peripheral & Cardiology Coder. For more hot topics relating to cardiology services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

CPT® copyright 2023 American Medical Association (AMA). All rights reserved.

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

SPRING INTO SAVINGS! Get 21% OFF during our exclusive two-day sale starting 3/21/2024. Use SPRING24 at checkout to claim this offer. Click here to learn more →