The current national coverage determinations (NCD) for prothrombin Time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) include in the narrative indications the assessment of patients with signs or symptoms of hemorrhage or thrombosis. One such indication is “swollen extremity with or without prior trauma.” However, the list of ICD-9-CM codes covered by Medicare does not include code 729.81, swelling of limb. We will be examining the PT and PTT NCDs to determine if it is appropriate to add code 729.81 to the list of ICD-9-CM codes covered by Medicare.
