We’re now in the middle of October, which can only mean one thing: Your head is full of coding updates. ICD-10-CM updates took effect on the first of the month, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes will arrive January 1, 2019. With more than 50 updated cardiology codes across both sets, which codes should you focus on upgrading first?
In her live webinar, cardiology coding educator Terry Fletcher answers this question and many others, including how to best prepare for and learn the latest changes. Her presentation, 2019 CPT®, ICD-10-CM & Medicare Updates, is part of a three-part cardiology coding series for ProfEdOnDemand’s 2019 Coding Updates Virtual Boot Camp. As 2019 promises to be a big year for cardiology, it’s critical to zero in on the details.
Understand AAA Repair Tech
One significant advancement in cardiology in 2019 is the growth of the global endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair devices market. Technavio, a technology research company, predicted this market would see a compound annual growth rate of 6% from 2015 to 2019. As the use of this technology expands, you’re sure to see it in more and more patient medical records, so having a solid grasp of what this technology is and why it’s used is of utmost importance.
What it is: Endovascular AAA repair devices are intended to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. These aneurysms occur when a weakened part of the aorta—the large artery that carries blood to the lower parts of your body—swells. While a small swelling may require only careful monitoring by a physician, a larger aneurysm requires more intensive care as, if left unattended, it could lead to aortic dissection (leakage of blood) or total rupture.
Repair for these aneurysms comes in two main forms: (1) open surgery or (2) endovascular repair.
What to look for: Since endovascular repair is less invasive, it’s growing in popularity, meaning it’s bound to show up more and more on your claims. Since there were no adjustments to endovascular repair procedure codes for 2019, let’s take a quick look at the changes that took effect on January 1, 2018.
Study AAA Repair Code Changes
Last year saw more than 25 changes to endovascular AAA repair coding. In case these still have you confused, here’s a quick breakdown of the most important points:
- Codes 34800-34806, 34825, 34826, and 34900 were deleted. These code all described endovascular repair/prosthesis of aortic (or iliac) aneurysms, but as “component codes” they were deleted and replaced by more “complete” codes.
- Codes 34701-34708 are the aforementioned “complete” replacement codes. Each code includes components such as, but not limited to, pre-procedure sizing, device selection, and angioplasty/stenting, if performed.
- Other additions to endovascular AAA repair coding include 34709-34716. These codes are for describing other services the surgeon may perform during an endovascular AAA repair. Take, for example, code 37414, Open femoral artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by groin incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
- The four revised component codes—34812, 34820, 34833, and 34834—saw changes to code definitions, which now indicate you can report one of these services with any of the new endovascular repair procedure codes.
Zoom in: Last year’s changes make your coding more specific, so read each definition with care. Keep in mind the four “component codes” that should be reported with another service.
Master the 51 CPT® Updates for 2019
Last year’s endovascular repair procedure codes are a lot to take in, especially at the same time you’re absorbing 2019’s newly released ICD-10-CM and CPT® codes. Don’t forget about the 51 new CPT® codes for cardiology coming your way for the New Year: 30 new, 14 revised, and 7 deleted. Join Fletcher in her Virtual Boot Camp webinars as she provides you with clinical examples and guidance on code linking, code updates, and changes to reimbursement and documentation. With so many changes headed your way, this is one webinar you don’t want to miss.
