Billing an Extremity Angiogram with a Neuroendovascular Procedure

Question:

Our endovascular surgeons image the radial artery at the beginning of the procedure ( an initial run) to ensure that the artery is healthy/ in good shape to move forward with the procedure. They do not begin the actual procedure without ensuring the radial artery is normal. They also perform imaging as they complete the procedure (on the way out) to assess for any damage to the artery. Is this separately billable as 75710, imaging of a peripheral artery?

Answer:

Imaging of the access artery (radial or femoral) whether to assess patency of the access artery or as a completion study, checking to make sure no damage has been done to the access vessels is never billed separately.   Accessing a vessel is the approach for an endovascular procedures and is included in the primary procedure.  Furthermore, although not the primary reason for not billing, there is no pathology to support the medical necessity of  an extremity angiogram and that code requires imaging and documentation  of a full extremity study;  the entire arm,  not just a single peripheral vessel. 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/28/24.