2025 CPT code 49422
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Digestive System Surgery Feed
Removal of a tunneled intraperitoneal catheter.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code.For instance, modifier 22 may be used for increased procedural services, or modifier 59 for a distinct procedural service.
Medical necessity for removal must be clearly documented. This could be due to infection, catheter malfunction, completion of therapy, or patient preference after being fully informed of risks and benefits.
The physician is responsible for preparing and anesthetizing the patient, making the incision, dissecting the scar tissue, removing the catheter, irrigating the area, achieving hemostasis, and closing the wound. They may also decide to place a drain for post-operative drainage.
In simple words: This procedure removes a tube placed under the skin of the abdomen that drains excess fluid. The doctor makes a small cut, removes the tube, cleans the area, and closes the cut.
The procedure involves removing an existing tunneled intraperitoneal catheter, which is used to drain recurrent fluid accumulation in the abdomen.The physician makes an incision at the catheter's entry point, dissects the scar tissue to free the catheter, excises it, irrigates the area with antibiotics, and closes the wound in layers. A drain may be left in place to facilitate healing.
Example 1: A patient with recurrent ascites who had a tunneled intraperitoneal catheter placed for drainage now requires its removal due to infection., A patient undergoing peritoneal dialysis via a tunneled catheter has transitioned to hemodialysis, necessitating catheter removal., A patient who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy through a tunneled catheter has completed treatment, requiring catheter removal.
Documentation should include the reason for catheter removal, the surgical approach, any complications encountered, and post-operative instructions.Previous records of catheter placement should also be available.
** It's crucial to distinguish between tunneled and non-tunneled catheters for accurate coding.Always ensure documentation clearly specifies the catheter type. For complex cases, consulting current CPT coding guidelines is advisable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General surgery, surgical oncology, interventional radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center