Trilogy

ssandgren

I was wondering if anyone had any input on coding the use of Trilogy devices as a form of mechanical ventilation. My CDI team feels that we should be using the mechanical ventilation codes on patients with respiratory failure that are put on a Trilogy device during their stay. I hesitate because the patient isn't intubated and the device can be taken off multiple times or can be used only at night making start and stop times nearly impossible to track. I'm hoping someone out there has experience with this...any thoughts? 

lolly102412

The coding clinic 4Q 2014 Vol 1, Number 4, Pages 3-15 covers the requirements necessary for mechanical ventilation. An excerpt states: With mechanical ventilation, the patient is either intubated or receives a tracheostomy... I think the Trilogy would be coded to Assistance with the appropriate duration instead of Performance since the patient is not intubated.