How To Use CPT Code 75970

CPT 75970 describes the procedure for transcatheter biopsy, which involves the use of radiological supervision and interpretation to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic pathologic analysis through a catheter. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 75970?

CPT 75970 can be used to describe the procedure for transcatheter biopsy, where a provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic pathologic analysis through a catheter. This code is used when the provider inserts a catheter into a blocked artery under fluoroscopic guidance, takes samples of tissues from the artery using a needle or forceps, and sends the samples to pathology for further analysis. The provider also injects a contrast material through the catheter to obtain images of the artery for interpretation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75970 is: ‘Transcatheter biopsy, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the provider inserts a catheter into the blocked artery.
3. The provider advances a needle or forceps through the catheter to obtain tissue samples from the artery.
4. The provider sends the tissue samples to pathology for further analysis.
5. The provider injects a contrast material through the catheter to obtain images of the artery for interpretation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75970 is performed when a provider needs to obtain tissue samples from a blocked artery for diagnostic pathologic analysis. The procedure requires the use of radiological supervision and interpretation. It is typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance, and the provider uses a catheter to access the artery and obtain the tissue samples. The samples are then sent to pathology for further analysis.

5. When to use CPT code 75970

CPT code 75970 should be used when a provider performs a transcatheter biopsy, using radiological supervision and interpretation, to obtain tissue samples from a blocked artery. This code is appropriate when the provider uses a catheter to access the artery, takes tissue samples using a needle or forceps, and injects contrast material to obtain images of the artery for interpretation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75970, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the transcatheter biopsy
• Details of the procedure, including the use of radiological supervision and interpretation
• Date and time of the procedure
• Specific artery targeted for the biopsy
• Details of the tissue samples obtained and sent to pathology
• Images obtained through the injection of contrast material
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75970, ensure that the procedure involves transcatheter biopsy with radiological supervision and interpretation. The provider should document the necessary information to support the claim. It is important to follow payer guidelines and append the appropriate modifiers, such as modifier 26 for the professional component and modifier TC for the technical component, if applicable. It is also important to consider payer policies regarding the reporting of supervision and interpretation codes for ancillary and supportive services.

8. Historical information

CPT 75970 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing a transcatheter biopsy on a patient with a suspected arterial blockage.
2. An interventional cardiologist obtaining tissue samples from a blocked coronary artery using a transcatheter biopsy.
3. An interventional radiologist performing a transcatheter biopsy on a patient with a suspected liver tumor.
4. A vascular surgeon using radiological supervision and interpretation to obtain tissue samples from a blocked peripheral artery.
5. An interventional radiologist performing a transcatheter biopsy on a patient with a suspected renal artery stenosis.
6. A radiologist obtaining tissue samples from a blocked mesenteric artery using a transcatheter biopsy.
7. An interventional cardiologist performing a transcatheter biopsy on a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism.
8. A vascular surgeon using radiological supervision and interpretation to obtain tissue samples from a blocked carotid artery.
9. An interventional radiologist performing a transcatheter biopsy on a patient with a suspected deep vein thrombosis.
10. A radiologist obtaining tissue samples from a blocked iliac artery using a transcatheter biopsy.