Aborted CABG

kshumpertkshumpert
in CDI Talk Archive
I am looking at a chart for RACs. I have a patient that was schedule for a CABG but the procedure was aborted due to inadequate vein for grafting. Both greater saphenous veins were harvested endoscopically. My question is regarding the approach for the excision of the greater saphenous veins. I cannot find anything on coding the approach for the harvesting of the vessels, other than not to code it when coding a CABG. Does anyone have any input they would be willing to share? Thanks!

Comments

  • Unknown
    edited May 2016
    Check out this site: http://www.hcpro.com/HIM-36590-865/TOPIC-Coding-and-billing-aborteddiscontinued-procedures.html


    Charlene
  • ddouthitddouthit
    This is would probably be a good one to send to 3M nosology for advice and could then cite their advise in appeal.
  • evanspx@sutterhealth.orgevanspx@sutterhealth.org
    Need more details regarding what was coded by facility and what was denied by RAC. However, the facility would code all Diagnostic Data as the fact the procedure could not be completed not relevant for purposes of reporting the patient's diagnoses.

    The facility would code the incomplete procedure 'to the point of completion' - it sounds as if CABG not performed, but only harvesting of veins - I would code the harvesting of the veins to describe the O.R. time/expense, so forth.

    One would not code the harvesting if/when CABG fully performed as the harvesting is 'integral' to the CABG.

    However, this concept would not apply for cancelled procedures.

    REFEERENCE:


    AHA Coding Clinic
  • kshumpertkshumpert
    edited May 2016
    Thanks everyone. The chart hasn't been denied by our RAC. I am reviewing it before it is sent out. I think we have reported the correct codes. I am looking for supportive data for possible denial. I have a RAC file for issues and I don't have anything for this subject.

    Thanks,
    Kathy
    Kathy Shumpert, RN, CCDS

    Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
    Howard Regional Health System
    Office 765-864-8754
    Cell phone 765-432-3961
    Fax 765-453-8152

    When something can be read without effort, great effort has gone into its writing. ~Enrique Jardiel Poncela
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