menu
close_24px
Course

Percutaneous Vascular Stenting And Angioplasty – Non Lower Extremity And Non Intracranial


Description

In this course, participants will delve into the intricate world of CPT coding for vascular stenting and angioplasty procedures, with a specific focus on cases not involving the lower extremities or intracranial arteries. This comprehensive program offers a comprehensive review of these interventional radiology procedures, along with essential coding guidelines and strategies to address common coding dilemmas. By the end of the course, attendees will possess a practical understanding of when to assign CPT codes for angioplasty and stenting, making it an indispensable resource for medical coders seeking proficiency in this specialized field. The curriculum encompasses fundamental introductions, code selection considerations, practical case examples, documentation challenges, and key abbreviations and devices used in interventional radiology, as well as an overview of various common interventional radiology procedures.

Included Lessons:

  • Introductions
  • What To Consider When Selecting CPT Codes
  • Practice Case Examples
  • Common Documentation Issues
  • Abbreviations/Named Devices In Interventional Radiology
  • Common Interventional Radiology Procedures
CEUs available for the following credentials:

AHIMA

CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS

LEARN MORE

Key Takeaways

This course will empower medical coders to navigate the complexities of coding for vascular stenting and angioplasty procedures with confidence and precision, ultimately contributing to enhanced healthcare reimbursement and accurate medical records. Some key takeaways include:

  • Comprehensive Understanding: Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of percutaneous vascular stenting and angioplasty procedures, specifically focusing on cases that do not involve the lower extremities or intracranial arteries.
  • Code Selection Expertise: Coders will develop the expertise to select appropriate CPT codes based on the documentation in operative reports, even in challenging scenarios, ensuring accurate coding for these procedures.
  • Procedure Knowledge: Coders will acquire in-depth knowledge of how angioplasty and stent placement procedures are performed, including the use of catheters and various devices.
  • Coding Guidelines: Participants will become familiar with important coding guidelines, such as bundling rules for comprehensive codes, the use of add-on codes, and the significance of modifiers (-LT, -RT, -50) when applicable.
  • Documentation Proficiency: Coders will learn to identify common documentation issues that may require physician queries to ensure accurate code assignment, including the documentation of catheter positions and the degree of stenosis.
  • Abbreviation and Device Recognition: The course will provide an extensive list of abbreviations and named devices commonly used in interventional radiology, helping coders recognize these terms in operative reports.
  • Knowledge of Common Procedures: Coders will gain familiarity with various common interventional radiology procedures beyond angioplasty and stenting, such as angiography, atherectomy, thrombolysis, and more, broadening their coding expertise.
  • Hemodynamic Significance: Participants will understand the concept of hemodynamically significant stenoses and their role in determining medical necessity for angioplasty or stent placement procedures.

Benefits of Taking this Course

  • Enhanced Coding Proficiency
  • Improved Accuracy in Code Selection
  • Ability to Navigate Complex Coding Scenarios
  • Career Advancement
  • Greater Confidence in Coding Vascular Procedures
  • Familiarity with Medical Devices and Abbreviations

FAQs

What is the significance of hemodynamically significant stenoses in angioplasty and stent placement coding?
Hemodynamically significant stenoses are essential in coding for angioplasty and stent placement procedures. They refer to arterial narrowings that are equal to or greater than 50% in diameter, and they must be medically necessary to justify code assignment. Mild or moderate stenoses typically do not meet the criteria for coding, and terms like "mild," "moderate," and "severe" should be clarified with the physician to ensure they meet the 50% diameter requirement. This criterion helps ensure that procedures are performed to address clinically significant vascular issues.
When should I use modifiers like -LT and -RT in angioplasty and stent placement coding?

Modifiers like -LT (left side) and -RT (right side) are used when a procedure is performed on one side of the body, such as one renal artery or one carotid artery. These modifiers specify the side on which the procedure was conducted and help accurately reflect the anatomical site of the intervention. Always apply these modifiers when applicable to ensure precise coding and billing.

What are some common documentation issues that may affect coding for these procedures?

Common documentation issues include the absence of documented catheter positions, inadequate description of the degree of stenosis, unclear reasons for diagnostic angiography (e.g., confirming a known lesion or guiding catheter placement), and challenges in distinguishing between bridging lesions and separate and distinct lesions. Clear and detailed documentation is crucial to accurate code assignment.

About our Medical Coding Courses

HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPTE/M, ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatientoutpatientprofee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CMICD-10-PCSCPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams. 

Disclaimer: This course is not available for individual sale. Purchase the CPT Coding Training Plan below and get access to 46 total CEUs. 

Overview
CEUs Icon
AHIMA CEUs : 1
Code Type