AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2005 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

An article in Coding Clinic Fourth Quarter 1988 regarding cardiac catheterizations states, “A diagnostic cardiac catheterization involving the left heart with recording of pressure as well as recording of left ventricular function curves is coded to 37.22.” Our coders are interpreting this to mean that unless pressure recordings are performed, the procedure should not be coded as a cardiac catheterization. Also, Coding Clinic May-June 1987, states, “the passage of a catheter into or through the chambers of the heart does not by itself constitute a diagnostic cardiac catheterization.” Should “left heart catheterization” only be coded when pressures and left ventricular function testing are performed and documented? ...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS .

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.