How To Use CPT Code 75989

CPT 75989 describes the radiological guidance for percutaneous drainage procedures, involving the placement of a catheter under imaging guidance. 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 75989?

CPT 75989 can be used to describe the radiological guidance provided by a healthcare professional during percutaneous drainage procedures. This code specifically applies to cases where a catheter is placed under imaging guidance to drain an abscess or collect a specimen. The provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation throughout the procedure to ensure accurate placement of the catheter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 75989 is: ‘Radiological guidance (i.e., fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or computed tomography), for percutaneous drainage (e.g., abscess, specimen collection), with placement of catheter, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the site of the abscess.
2. Using imaging guidance, the provider locates the site of the abscess and inserts a needle to reach it.
3. A catheter is advanced to the site of the abscess via a guide wire, ensuring proper placement for effective drainage.
4. The provider keeps the drainage tube low to facilitate complete drainage of pus from the abscess.
5. Fluoroscopic images may be obtained by injecting a contrast medium to aid in supervision and interpretation of the procedure.
6. The provider performs ongoing imaging supervision and interpretation to ensure the catheter remains in the correct position throughout the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 75989 is applicable when a healthcare professional performs radiological guidance for percutaneous drainage procedures, specifically for abscess drainage or specimen collection. The procedure must involve the placement of a catheter under imaging guidance, with the provider providing ongoing supervision and interpretation. It is important to note that CPT 75989 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 10030, 32554, 32555, 32556, 32557, 33017, 33018, 33019, 47490, 49405, 49406, or 49407.

5. When to use CPT code 75989

CPT code 75989 should be used when a healthcare professional performs radiological guidance for percutaneous drainage procedures, specifically for abscess drainage or specimen collection. It is important to ensure that the procedure involves the placement of a catheter under imaging guidance and that the provider provides ongoing supervision and interpretation. This code should not be used in conjunction with certain other codes, as mentioned in the qualifying circumstances section.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75989, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the percutaneous drainage procedure
• Details of the radiological guidance used, such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or computed tomography
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the site of the abscess, catheter placement, and any contrast medium used
• Imaging supervision and interpretation performed by the provider
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 75989, ensure that the procedure involves radiological guidance for percutaneous drainage procedures with catheter placement. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report CPT 75989 in conjunction with certain other codes, as mentioned in the qualifying circumstances section. Additionally, be aware of payer policies regarding the reporting of professional and technical components of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 75989 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been several historical changes to the code, including updates to the official description and restrictions on reporting with other codes.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing radiological guidance for the percutaneous drainage of an abscess in a patient’s abdomen, ensuring proper catheter placement under imaging guidance.
2. An interventional radiologist using fluoroscopy to guide the placement of a catheter for the percutaneous drainage of a deep-seated abscess in a patient’s thigh.
3. A radiology technician assisting a radiologist in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of an abscess in a patient’s breast, ensuring accurate catheter placement.
4. A vascular surgeon using computed tomography to guide the placement of a catheter for the percutaneous drainage of an abscess in a patient’s lung.
5. An interventional radiologist performing radiological guidance for the percutaneous drainage of an abscess in a patient’s liver, ensuring precise catheter placement under imaging guidance.
6. A gastroenterologist using fluoroscopy to guide the placement of a catheter for the percutaneous drainage of an abscess in a patient’s pancreas.