Clogged NG tube

How to you code a clogged NG tube?

Comments

  • Lori,
    Did not look for specific code but because no one has answered you yet let me offer up a hint.
    Look for your code as a mechanical complication of a non-vascular device (catheter), maybe a T-code?
    It is not in the K-codes because those are ostomy complication codes and an NG tube is not an ostomy.

    Nancy Wolverton RN, CCM, HCS-D-10
    Utilization Review Specialist
    Kindred at Home
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    501-508-8526 (o)
    501-690-2027 (c)
    Nancy.Wolverton@kindred.com
  • edited May 2017
    I was following this and actually wondering if pt is home with the clogged NGT? Sounds weird to me. SN is treating this?
  • Believe it or not, there are cases of home NG tube feeders and I have personally dropped a few in the home setting in my time and I came from a State HH agency recently who still took NGT cases so it is not weird to me at all.
    The old fashioned way we used to deal with prevention of the clogging was to give a carbonated soft drink down the tube as a flush. Used to work real well for those who could have it.

    Nancy Wolverton RN, CCM, HCS-D-10
    Utilization Review Specialist
    Kindred at Home
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    501-508-8526 (o)
    501-690-2027 (c)
    Nancy.Wolverton@kindred.com
  • edited May 2017
    Interesting, have not seen any at home; but yes even used the carbonated beverage in the hosp and unclogged GT that way as well. Have a nice day!
  • That's exactly where I was looking but not able to find mechanical complication of non vascular catheter, any suggestions?
  • Did you look at T85.598?

    Nancy Wolverton RN, CCM, HCS-D-10
    Utilization Review Specialist
    Kindred at Home
    Little Rock, Arkansas
    501-508-8526 (o)
    501-690-2027 (c)
    Nancy.Wolverton@kindred.com
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