Billing Vertebral Angiograms

Question:

Do I have to have the catheter is the vertebral artery to bill a vertebral angiogram?

Answer:

Not necessarily.  See the code descriptions below for vertebral imaging.  If the catheter is selectively placed in the subclavian or innominate artery and vertebral circulation is imaged and documented, code 36225 is reported. If the catheter is selectively placed in the vertebral artery and vertebral circulation is imaged and documented, code 36226 is reported.

CPT Code	Description	Vessels imaged
36225	Selective catheter placement, subclavian or innominate, unilateral	Ipsilateral vertebral circulation, including arch
36226	Selective catheter placement vertebral artery, unilateral	Ipsilateral vertebral circulation, including the arch

*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/17/18.