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Coding Endarterectomy

Published on 

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

 | RAC Information 
 | FAQ 

Q:

What codes would be assigned for an endarterectomy of the left common carotid artery, left internal carotid artery and the left external carotid artery?



A:

First let’s review the new Body Parts General Guideline for FY2018:

B4.1c:  If a procedure is performed on a continuous section of a tubular body part, code the body part value corresponding to the furthest anatomical site from the point of entry.

Based on this guideline, procedure codes for endarterectomy of the left internal carotid artery and the left external carotid artery would be assigned because these two arteries are branches of the common carotid artery and the furthest from the point of entry.

Extirpation of Matter from Left Internal Carotid Artery, Open Approach (03CL0ZZ)

Extirpation of Matter from Left External Carotid Artery, Open Approach (03CN0ZZ)

References:

Body Part, General Guidelines, 2018 ICD-10-PCS

Highlights of ICD-10-CM & PCS, Changes for FY 2018 and Other Hot Topics, AAHIM Coding Symposium, Joy King Ewing, RHIA, CCS

Article Author:

This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.