CPT Cardiac catheterization question

[Linda]

Hi all does anyone have an answer for a cath question. What is the difference between a left heart cath (93452) and catheter placement coronary artery with...(93458). This is silly I have gone through the whole section and didn't notice the different wording until I did a practice question. I'm sure it is something basic, like with cath placement no proc was done. But the other code has the same wording. I am so burnt out on this section. Need some help Thanks.:

 

[Lori Woods]

The only difference I can see is on pages 345-346 in the CPT. When you compare the two with the x's marked on the chart the difference is Coronary Artery Placement. I hope this helped it was the easiest way to explain with the comparison.

 

[Carolyn Heath]

What year is your CPT? I have the 2013 CPT and the pages 345-346 is in the Nervous System section.

 

[Lori Woods]

My CPT is a 2012 it's the table of catheterization codes in the medicine/Cardiovascular section.

 

[Linda]

Thanks found the table. It just doesnt seem much more of an answer. Will work on it more today thanks. I must be missing something.

 

[Linda]

Reading it again it seems the only word that is different is for angiography in 93454, that one or two word things with be the death of me

 

[Carolyn Heath]

Lori, I do have the 2012 CPT and just found the Table of Catheterization Codes. It is pages 493-495. In the 2013 CPT, the Table of Catheterization Codes are on pages 516-518 and is renamed Cardiac Catheterization Codes.

 

[Linda]

Good glad we are on the same page does any one have an answer please thank you. May add it to question for laureen tonight she is great at explaining things.

 

[Linda]

I think the difference is with 93454 the cath is placed for diagnostic purposes not for treatment.