tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2001 Issue 4

Reader Question: Catheter Removal

Question: Would the removal of a subclavian Hickman catheter be included in the E/M level? The chart indicates a level three, but the ED physician did not place the catheter. The removal required a 2-cm incision, the catheter was removed without difficulty, and the closure was simple.Cheryl Goodrich Mountaineer Emergency Physicians Morgantown, W.V.Answer: Use the appropriate ED E/M code (99281-99285) to bill for the catheter removal because it is not a separately billable service. The E/M level would reflect the work of the ED staff in removing the catheter. In your particular case, the criteria for...

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