Let Add-on Codes Add to Your 92980 Bottom Line

Prior to making your coding decision, identify the vessels involved.
CPT's parenthetical notes following 92980-+92981 offer rules for proper reporting that you cannot afford to miss. The notes reveal the following key points on what is and is not included.
Include these same-artery services
CPT's parenthetical notes following 92980-+92981 offer rules for proper reporting that you cannot afford to miss. The notes reveal the following key points on what is and is not included.
Include these same-artery services
CPT states that coronary angioplasty and/or atherectomy in the same artery as the stent placement is not separately reportable for the same encounter.
Separate vessel could mean separately reportable
If your cardiologist carries out stenting in one coronary vessel, and angioplasty or atherectomy procedures in a different coronary vessel, the angioplasty or atherectomy is not included in the stent code. As such, you may report those services separately.
Important: When coding interventions on more than one coronary vessel during the same session, the first code should be for the highest level procedure carried out on any vessel.
The hierarchy is stenting before atherectomy prior to balloon angioplasty.
Bonus tip: Remember that proper reporting for the above two-vessel instance calls for reporting the ‘single vessel' stent code 92980 with ‘additional vessel' code 92982 as the codes represent two different types of procedures. However CPT guides you to the right codes by stating under the stent codes. To report additional vessels treated by angioplasty or atherectomy only during the same session. That apart, CPT Assistant (December 1996) indicates that 92980 with +92984 is proper coding for stent placement in one vessel and angioplasty in another.
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