Breakdown of intraperitoneal dialysis catheter, subs

This code signifies a mechanical failure or malfunction of an indwelling catheter used for peritoneal dialysis, occurring during a follow-up visit or after the initial treatment for the complication. This breakdown could involve issues such as kinking, cracking, or disconnection of the catheter components, impairing its ability to effectively deliver or drain dialysate.

Apply this code when a patient presents for evaluation or management of a previously identified or new mechanical breakdown of their peritoneal dialysis catheter, and this is not the initial encounter for the complication. This includes situations where a patient returns for repair, replacement, or further assessment of a catheter that has stopped functioning correctly due to a mechanical issue.

• Ensure the encounter is not the initial treatment for the mechanical breakdown; otherwise, an initial encounter code (e.g., T85.611A) would be more appropriate.
• Always code the underlying reason for the peritoneal dialysis (e.g., end-stage renal disease) as a primary diagnosis.
• Document the specific nature of the mechanical breakdown (e.g., "catheter kinked," "connector broken") to support code assignment.