Cardiology Coding: For Terminated Ptca, Use 92982-52

By Author: erinarticle
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In a particular scenario, our cardiologist attempted a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). However after various attempts she determined that it was not possible; thereafter she terminated the procedure. In such a scenario, can we still bill it as code 92982?


Yes you may report the proper PTCA code such as 92982 (Percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty; single vessel). But then you should add modifier 52 (reduced services) when the doctor opts to finish the procedure.


On the contrary: If the cardiologist had crossed the lesion and inflated the balloon, but then documented that the outcome of the angioplasty was not acceptable, you should not add modifier 52.


Or for that matter if the cardiologist aborts a diagnostic heart cath after initial catheterization of the femoral artery because the patient's blood pressure couldn't be stabilized, then you would add modifier 53 (Discontinued procedure) in place of 52 on the intended procedure. You would go for modifier 53 since CPT Appendix A indicates that modifier 53 is proper ...
... when the doctor discontinues a procedure owing to circumstances that threaten the well being of the patient.


Here's the procedure: In PTCA, the cardiologist threads a specialized guidewire through the blockage and passes a deflated balloon over the wire. Once it is in position, she inflates the balloon and creates a passageway by pushing the pliable blockage against the artery's sides.


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