You Be the Coder: 36593 on Chemo Day: Yes or No?

Question: I know I can't report vascular access device flushing on the same date as chemotherapy, but what if the staff uses tPA to declot a vascular device? May I report that service separately? How should I code multiple injections?

California Subscriber

Answer: You may report the vascular device declotting using tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) on the same date as chemotherapy administration. For the declotting service, you should report 36593 (Declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter). Note that use of a thrombolytic agent, such as the tPA you mention, is required for this code.

Distinction: CPT® Assistant [...]

- Published on 2011-12-09