AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2010 Issue 1; New Code

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Effective October 1, 2009, two new codes were created (38.24-38.25) to describe intravascular imaging of coronary vessels and non-coronary vessels by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Optical coherence tomography is a catheter-based system that can be used to assess vascular morphology, vessel lumen and plaque components in vascular lesions. OCT utilizes near-infrared electromagnetic radiation light for the cross-sectional visualization of the vessel wall at the microscopic level. It enables detailed resolution of vessel architecture and precise characterization of plaque architecture. Quantification of macrophages within the plaque is also possible. These capabilities allow precise identification of the most clinically...

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