Paracentesis can be described as a procedure, which includes the removal of fluid, which has accumulated in the abdomen. This is known as the peritoneal fluid and its build up is known as ascites. The most cases, the fluid usually builds up because of an infection, an injury or an inflammation. There are certain other conditions too, like cancer or cirrhosis, which could cause a person to require the paracentesis procedure, where a thin and long needle is used to remove the excess fluid from the belly. This fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, to identify what the cause of the buildup is. In some cases, the paracentesis procedure code may be recommended for those patients who are being treated for cirrhosis or cancer, as a means of relieving the pain or pressure in the belly, by taking out the fluid. At times, paracentesis can also be conducted for checking if there is any damage or problem, after a person sustains a belly injury.
What are the procedure steps?
The paracentesis procedure is conducted at a medical facility and follows certain paracentesis procedure steps. The patient needs to lie down on the back, with the head raised. The site that needs to be pierced with the needle is usually cleaned and covered with sterile towels. A small amount of numbing gel is applied on to the patient's belly and a few minutes will be allowed, for the area to get numb. Then, slowly and gently, the needle needs to be inserted into the patient's belly, mainly in the area, where the excess fluid seems to have accumulated. During the course of the paracentesis procedure, the doctor needs to be very careful of poking the intestines or the blood vessels. In most instances of the abdominal paracentesis procedure, the doctor will drain most of the fluid. However, in case of a diagnostic paracentesis procedure, that is, where doctors are conducting the paracentesis to test a sample of the fluid, only a small percent of the fluid is removed and sent to a lab for analysis
Most patients who have been asked to undergo this process are heard checking with their doctors about the paracentesis procedure code. This may be required for billing and documentation purposes. Studies indicate that the paracentesis procedure code 49080. However, patients are advised to check what the exact paracentesis procedure code is, with the person that conducts the exam, as well as the doctor.
Submitted by N on April 26, 2011 at 01:00