Summary & Overview
Ultrasound Accelerated and Other Thrombolysis of Peripheral Vascular Structures without MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview
DRG 279 encompasses catheter-directed and ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis of peripheral vascular structures without a Major Complication or Comorbidity, covering targeted clot-dissolving procedures in arteries and veins. It matters for inpatient reimbursement because procedural resources, device utilization, and hospital stay in this Diagnosis-Related Group drive the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services payment for the admission.
DRG 279 Overview
DRG 279 covers hospital admissions for ultrasound accelerated and other catheter-directed thrombolysis procedures of peripheral vascular structures when no Major Complication or Comorbidity is present. It applies to patients undergoing targeted dissolution of thrombus in peripheral arteries or veins using infusion catheters and adjunctive ultrasound or mechanical assistance. This Diagnosis-Related Group is important for Medicare payment because it groups procedural intensity, device use, and length of stay to determine the inpatient reimbursement rate. Hospitals use this classification to align coding and billing with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services payment methodology.