How To Use CPT Code 49424

CPT 49424 describes the procedure of injecting contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess an abscess or cyst. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 49424?

CPT 49424 can be used to describe the procedure in which a provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess an abscess or cyst. This code is used when the contrast material is used to visualize and evaluate the size, type, and location of the abscess or cyst being drained.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 49424 is: ‘Contrast injection for assessment of abscess or cyst via previously placed drainage catheter or tube (separate procedure).’ This code is used when the provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to more clearly visualize and assess the abscess or cyst.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider injects contrast material into the existing drainage catheter.
3. The contrast material helps to make the structures of the abscess or cyst more visible on a radiological study.
4. The provider assesses the location of the catheter and the status of the healing abscess or cyst using a separately billable radiological study.

4. Qualifying circumstances

This procedure is performed when there is an existing drainage catheter in place and the provider needs to assess the abscess or cyst. The contrast material is injected to provide better visualization and evaluation of the condition. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 49424

CPT code 49424 should be used when a provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess an abscess or cyst. It is important to note that this code is for the contrast injection procedure only and should not be reported for radiological supervision and interpretation, which should be billed separately using code 76080.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 49424, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for contrast injection
• Details of the existing drainage catheter or tube
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific contrast material used
• Findings and assessment of the abscess or cyst
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 49424, ensure that the procedure involves the injection of contrast material into an existing drainage catheter. It is important to use the appropriate code for radiological supervision and interpretation if performed. CPT code 49424 should not be reported if other codes, such as CPT codes 98966 to 98968, have already been performed in the previous seven days.

8. Historical information

CPT 49424 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There was a code change on January 1, 2002, which updated the description to include the use of a catheter instead of a catheter or tube.

9. Examples

1. A provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess the size and location of an abscess in a patient’s abdomen.
2. During a follow-up visit, a provider performs a contrast injection into a drainage catheter to evaluate the healing progress of a previously drained cyst.
3. A radiologist injects contrast material into a drainage catheter to assess the extent of an abscess in a patient’s lung.
4. After a drainage catheter is placed to drain an abscess in a patient’s thigh, a provider performs a contrast injection to evaluate the effectiveness of the drainage.
5. A provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess the size and location of a cyst in a patient’s kidney.
6. During a procedure to drain an abscess in a patient’s breast, a provider performs a contrast injection to evaluate the extent of the abscess.
7. A radiologist injects contrast material into a drainage catheter to assess the healing progress of a previously drained cyst in a patient’s neck.
8. After a drainage catheter is placed to drain an abscess in a patient’s liver, a provider performs a contrast injection to evaluate the effectiveness of the drainage.
9. A provider injects contrast material into an existing drainage catheter to assess the size and location of an abscess in a patient’s pelvis.
10. During a follow-up visit, a provider performs a contrast injection into a drainage catheter to evaluate the healing progress of a previously drained cyst in a patient’s spine.