Question:
What is meant by a “port” in central venous access procedures?
Answer:
A code for a central catheter with an implanted port should not be assigned because the word “port” is documented in the report. Physicians will sometimes use the term for the ends of a central venous catheter that remain outside the body (i.e., blue port, red port, cap, hub, etc.). However, for these codes “port” means a reservoir totally implanted under the skin. Access to the port is gained by inserting a needle through the skin into the reservoir (port) with no part of the catheter (or port) left outside the body
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