Part 4 – New 2019 CPT Codes: Lymphatic, Digestive, Urinary and Nervous System
Pat Maccariella‑Hafey
RHIA, CDIP, CCS, CCS‑P, CIRCC
Executive Director Of Education
AHIMA‑Approved ICD‑10‑CM/PCS Trainer and Ambassador
This is Part 4 of a five part series on the new 2019 CPT codes. In this series we will explore the CPT changes for FY 2019 and include examples to help the coder understand the new codes. There is 1 new lymphatic code, 2 new digestive system codes with 3 deletions, 3 new urinary system codes with one deletion and 7 deleted nervous system codes with 2 revisions.
Lymphatic System – Biopsy of Lymph Node
One new code was created for excision of inguinofemoral lymph nodes, 38531, Biopsy or excision of lymph node(s); open, inguinofemoral node(s (For bilateral procedure, use modifier -50). These nodes are located in the groin area and are commonly removed in conjunction with other procedures. Previously, there was not a code to identify these lymph nodes.
Digestive System – Replacement of Gastrostomy Tube
Codes 41500 and 46762 were deleted due to infrequent use. Code 43760, change of gastrostomy tube, percutaneous without guidance was deleted and replaced with two new codes:
- 43762, Replacement of gastrostomy tube, percutaneous includes removal, when performed, without imaging or endoscopic guidance; not requiring revision of gastrostomy tract (includes contrast shot to confirm. This would not be considered guidance)
- 43763, requiring revision of gastrostomy tract
Code 43763 may require dilation and incision of tract due to stenosis or tract may require debridement. When does the tract have to be revised? If tube is left a long time, maceration around the tube occurs and there is inflammation, and the tract is then unusable.
Use 43762 for change of cecostomy tube as well. This was discussed at the AMA CPT Symposium in November.
Coders must be aware of the guidance used or not used to correctly assign replacement of gastrostomy tubes. For percutaneous replacement of gastrostomy tube under fluoroscopic guidance, use 49450. For endoscopically directed placement of gastrostomy tube see 43246.
Urinary System – Nephrostomy Tube
Code 50395 for dilation of tract for nephrostomy has been deleted. In its place, 2 new codes were created:
- 50436, Dilation of existing tract, percutaneous, for an endourologic procedure including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological S&I, with post-procedure tube placement when performed. The enlargement of the existing tract to accommodate large instruments that will be used to perform other endourologic procedures.
- 50437, including new access into the renal collecting system (includes new access performed in the same session when a pre-existing tract is not present) (includes all elements of 50436)
(Do not report 50436, 50437 with 50080-81, 50384, 50430-34, 74485)
The coder must not confuse 50432, placement of percutaneous nephrostomy for drainage only with the new codes 50436 and 50437. Key words in the procedure report for 50432 are “access needle” “nephrostomy tube (catheter).” Key words for codes 50436 and 50437 are “balloon dilator” “serial dilators” “sheath.”
Finally new code 53854, Transurethral destruction of prostate tissue, by radiofrequency generated water vapor therapy was created and replaces old HCPCS code C9748. A video of water vapor therapy that usually treats BPH is located here: http://www.nxthera.com/convective-wave/
Nervous System – Various Codes Deleted
The AMA deleted codes 61332, 61480, 61610, 61612, 61642, 63615, 64508, 64550, mostly because these procedures are not done so much anymore. Two codes were revised as below (vascular family changed to territory)
▲ +61641, Balloon dilatation of intracranial vasospasm, percutaneous; each additional vessel in same vascular territory
▲ +61642, Balloon dilatation of intracranial vasospasm, percutaneous; each additional vessel in different vascular territory
Our final Part 5 of the series will cover miscellaneous CPT updates not covered thus far.
The information contained in this post is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
Popular Posts
Part 3: Sepsis Series | Severe Sepsis Documentation and Reporting
Severe sepsis occurs when sepsis progresses and signs of organ dysfunction/failure develop. One site stated that approximately 30% of patients with severe sepsis do not survive. Patients may develop one organ dysfunction/failure, multi-system organ failure and/or septic shock.
Part 2: Sepsis Series | Sequencing the Diagnosis of Sepsis
In Part 2 of our Sepsis Series, we are going to focus on sequencing of sepsis when the diagnosis is clearly documented. Later in the series we will look at what to do when the diagnosis is not clearly documented.
Part 1: Sepsis Series | What is Sepsis?
In this series, we will learn what sepsis is or causes of sepsis, how to sequence the diagnosis in ICD-10-CM, what are the clinical indicators for sepsis, is a query necessary before reporting the diagnosis of sepsis, and how to prevent denials on sepsis records.
Part 4: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
In the previous three parts of this four part series, we discussed the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis code changes, ICD-10-PCS procedure code changes and FY2020 IPPS changes. In this last Part 4 of the series, we will review the NTAP procedure codes and reimbursement add-on payments for FY2020.
Part 3: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
In the previous two parts of this four part series, we discussed the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis code changes and ICD-10-PC procedure code changes. In this session we will review the major IPPS changes for FY2020. On August 2, 2019, CMS published the Final Rule for IPPS (CMS-1716) FY2020 IPPS Final Rule.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Latest News
Part 3: Sepsis Series | Severe Sepsis Documentation and Reporting
Severe sepsis occurs when sepsis progresses and signs of organ dysfunction/failure develop. One site stated that approximately 30% of patients with severe sepsis do not survive. Patients may develop one organ dysfunction/failure, multi-system organ failure and/or septic shock.
Part 2: Sepsis Series | Sequencing the Diagnosis of Sepsis
In Part 2 of our Sepsis Series, we are going to focus on sequencing of sepsis when the diagnosis is clearly documented. Later in the series we will look at what to do when the diagnosis is not clearly documented.
Part 1: Sepsis Series | What is Sepsis?
In this series, we will learn what sepsis is or causes of sepsis, how to sequence the diagnosis in ICD-10-CM, what are the clinical indicators for sepsis, is a query necessary before reporting the diagnosis of sepsis, and how to prevent denials on sepsis records.
Part 4: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
In the previous three parts of this four part series, we discussed the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis code changes, ICD-10-PCS procedure code changes and FY2020 IPPS changes. In this last Part 4 of the series, we will review the NTAP procedure codes and reimbursement add-on payments for FY2020.
Part 3: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
In the previous two parts of this four part series, we discussed the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis code changes and ICD-10-PC procedure code changes. In this session we will review the major IPPS changes for FY2020. On August 2, 2019, CMS published the Final Rule for IPPS (CMS-1716) FY2020 IPPS Final Rule.
Part 2: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
In Part 1 of this 4 part series we discussed some of the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis changes. In Part 2 we present the significant ICD-10-PCS procedure code changes. There are 72,184 total ICD-10-CM codes for FY2020.
Part 1: New ICD-10 Codes and IPPS Changes
This is Part 1 of a 4 part series on the FY2020 changes to ICD-10 and the IPPS. In this part, we discuss some of the new ICD-10-CM diagnosis changes. There are 72,184 total ICD-10-CM codes for FY2020.
Part 14: Spinal Fusion Coding — Spinal Fusion Series Summary
We have finished with the step-by-step coding tidbits on coding of spinal fusions. If you were not able to catch Parts 1-13 of this series focused on spinal fusions, please visit hiacode.com/topics/series/spinal-fusion-coding/.
Part 13: Spinal Fusion Coding — Harvesting of Autograft for Spinal Fusion
In Part 12, we focused on intra-operative peripheral neuro monitoring used during spinal fusion surgery. In Part 13, we are going to focus on harvesting of autograft and is it coded. Remember in Part 6, we learned that autograft is bone from the patient.
Part 12: Spinal Fusion Coding — Intra-Operative Peripheral Neuro Monitoring
In Part 11, we focused on identifying the computer assisted navigation used during spinal fusion surgery. In Part 12, we are going to focus on intra-operative peripheral neuro monitoring.
Part 11: Spinal Fusion Coding — Computer Assisted Navigation
In Part 10, we focused on identifying whether or not hardware from a previous spinal fusion is coded. In Part 11, we are going to discuss computer assisted navigation.
Part 10: Spinal Fusion Coding — Removing Hardware from Previous Fusion
In Part 9, we focused on identifying if decompression was also performed and if so, on which body part. In Part 10, we are going to focus on identifying if hardware was removed from a previous fusion site.
Part 9: Spinal Fusion Coding — Was A Decompression Done During Spinal Fusion?
In Part 8, we focused on identifying if a discectomy was performed, and if so, if it was a partial or a total discectomy. In Part 9, we are going to focus on identifying if a decompression was performed, and if so, was it of the spinal cord, spinal nerves or both?
Part 8: Spinal Fusion Coding — Discectomy During Spinal Fusion
In Part 7, we focused on identifying any instrumentation that may be used during a spinal fusion. In Part 8, we are going to focus on identifying if a discectomy is performed and if this is an excision or a resection of the disc.
Part 7: Spinal Fusion Coding — Identify Any Instrumentation or Device Used
In Part 6, we focused on identifying the type of bone graft product used for the spinal fusion. In Part 7, we are going to focus on identifying any instrumentation or device used.
Part 6: Spinal Fusion Coding — Identify the Type of Bone Graft Used for Fusion
In Part 5, we focused on identifying the approach being used for the spinal fusion. In Part 6, we are going to focus on identifying the type of bone graft used for the spinal fusion.
Part 5: Spinal Fusion Coding — Identifying the Approach Being Used for Fusion
In Part 4, we focused on determining the spinal column being fused. In Part 5, we are going to focus on identifying what approach is being used to complete the spinal fusion (anterior, posterior or both).
HIA Launches Buddy Up Program for New Hires
This past year, HIA implemented “Buddy Up,” a program designed to help the new hire have a smooth transition into their new HIA roles with the assistance of a “buddy.” What is a Buddy? The Buddy is simply a peer who can guide the new hire in order to make them feel more comfortable. We are very proud of this program and have many success stories that we would like to share. Take a look at the wonderful feedback we have received below.
Part 4: Spinal Fusion Coding — Identifying the Column Being Fused
In Part 3, we focused on determining the level of the fusion(s) and how to determine the number of vertebrae fused. In Part 4, we are going to focus on identifying which column is being fused (anterior, posterior or both).
Part 3: Spinal Fusion Coding — Determine the Level(s) or Region of Fusion and Number of Vertebrae Fused
In Part 1, we learned the diagnoses associated with the need for spinal fusions, and in Part 2 the need to identify if the fusion is an initial or refusion of the vertebrae. In Part 3, we are going to focus on determining the level(s) of fusion, as well as the number of vertebrae fused.
Part 2: Spinal Fusion Coding — Initial Fusion or Refusion
In Part 2, we are going to look at the differences between initial fusion and a refusion. In ICD-9, there were specific codes to show if the fusion was an initial fusion, or if it was a refusion. In ICD-10-PCS, initial fusions and refusion procedures are coded to the same root operation “fusion.”
Part 1: Spinal Fusion Coding — Diagnoses Responsible
This is Part 1 of a 14 part series focusing on education for spinal fusions. Spinal fusion coding is a tough job for coders. There are so many diseases/disorders that result in the need for spinal fusion, and even more choices in reporting the ICD-10-PCS codes.
What’s the Best Defense? A Good Offense
The official definition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) states that a Medicare overpayment is a payment that exceeds amounts properly payable under Medicare statutes and regulations. When Medicare identifies an overpayment, the amount becomes a debt you owe the Federal government.
Coding Tip: Coding Complications of Transplanted Organs
Coding complications of transplanted organs has always been a coding dilemma. With the implementation of ICD-10-CM that didn’t change. However, coders have multiple directives to help in determining what a complication of the transplant is vs. non-transplant conditions and diseases.
Find Your Routine: Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities
We interviewed our most productive coders, reviewers and members of our education team, asking them what steps they take to find a rhythm that works for them. This week, we talked with Beth Martilik, MA, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, Assistant Director of Education, about the steps she takes to find her routine.
Coding Tip: Atrial Fibrillation
With the implementation of ICD-10-CM came more codes for reporting many different conditions and diseases, and atrial fibrillation is one of those. For many years there was only one code available for reporting this condition, even when the physician further specified the type of atrial fibrillation that the patient had. In ICD-10-CM, there are four codes to report atrial fibrillation.
Coder Q&A with Pat Macc: Mucoid Casts and Mucus Plugs
We have a case where the physician removes mucoid casts found during bronchoscopy. We have also seen mucus plugs removed during bronchoscopy. The MD performs bronchial washings then removes a large amount of tenacious and thick mucoid casts via bronchoscopy. Is this coded drainage, extirpation or excision? What body part is used?
Query Tip: How to Be More Efficient
The key to making the query process more efficient is to look for words or documentation while reviewing the record that may signal a potential query opportunity and to note the finding at that time. By the time a coder reaches the end of a record, documentation may have been found to eliminate the need for the query.
Coder Q&A with Pat Macc: Metastatic Cancer
Question: This patient is noted to have “Lymphangitic carcinomatosis of lungs with mediastinal lymph nodes.” How would I code the diagnosis? Would I code metastatic cancer to the lung (C78.01) or metastatic cancer to the lymph nodes (C77.1)?