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Biomedical subjects

R Duszak

Publications and source records attributed to R Duszak.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

CPT coding by interventional radiologists: accuracy and implications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding for interventional radiology services when coding is performed by the operating physician. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coding data for 1,174 interventional radiology encounters in 736 patients were analyzed for appropriate use of CPT codes. Physician operators initially assigned provisional codes. Formal coding for billing purposes was performed at a later date by one of two experienced interventional radiology physician coders. Initial operator coding errors and associated relative value unit (RVU) impact were analyzed. The coding patterns of experienced physician coders were compared with those of the other interventionalists. RESULTS: Only 82% of encounters were initially coded correctly, with a small net tendency toward undercoding. The overall net RVU impact of errors was only -1.2%, with the effects of undercoding outweighing those of overcoding. More complex cases (> or =4 CPT codes) were much more likely to be coded erroneously than less complex cases (24% vs 14%, P <.001). Experienced physician coders committed significantly fewer errors than other physicians (10% vs 25%, P <.001), but there was a similar minimal net RVU impact of errors (-1.1% vs -1.4%, P =.198). CONCLUSION: Although initial physician coding errors for interventional radiology procedures are common, the net RVU impact is minimal. The accuracy of experienced physician coders is significantly higher than that for other interventionalists. Because of the regulatory consequences of coding inaccuracies, practices should establish quality improvement systems to minimize errors and use the skills of experienced individuals in their coding processes.

Forms and Records Control↗
PubMed1999

Coexpression of cytokeratins 7 and 20 confirms urothelial carcinoma presenting as an intrarenal tumor.

BACKGROUND: The differentiation of epithelial tumors arising in the kidney (urothelial vs. renal cell carcinoma) sometimes can be difficult by clinical and radiologic studies. Because urothelial and renal epithelium express unique cytokeratin (CK) 7 and 20 profiles, the authors studied the utility of these markers to confirm the diagnosis of urothelial carcinomas that present clinically as kidney masses. METHODS: Using commercially available monoclonal antibodies, paraffin section immunohistochemistry was used to examine two recent cases of urothelial carcinomas presenting as renal tumors. Tissues were stained for CK7 and CK20 and the expression compared between the tumor and benign tissue. RESULTS: Both cases showed solid renal masses that clinically and radiographically could have been of renal cell origin, but subsequently were confirmed histologically to be extensive renal involvement by urothelial carcinoma. The tumors coexpressed both CK7 and CK20, which is the expected profile for carcinomas of urothelial but not renal origin. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study show that coexpression of CK7 and CK20 is a useful diagnostic aid in the differential diagnosis of epithelial kidney tumors of urothelial cell versus renal cell origin.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Dialysis graft declotting with very low dose urokinase: is it feasible to use "less and wait?".

PURPOSE: "Lyse and wait" dialysis graft declotting is simple and effective, but the minimum necessary dose of urokinase is unknown. The efficacy of the technique with very low dose urokinase is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one grafts in 17 patients were declotted with use of the lyse and wait technique, but with 5,000-15,000 U of urokinase initially. Graft angiography was performed when an interventional suite was available. Declotting was completed in the manner chosen by the individual operator. Angiograms, interventional radiology records, and dialysis records were reviewed. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success were achieved in 95% of cases. Mean initial urokinase dose was 6,667 U. Initial angiography was performed at a mean 86 minutes. Two cases required second 5,000-U boluses to achieve complete graft thrombolysis. In all other cases, complete or near complete graft thrombolysis was observed with the initial very low dose. No bleeding, arterial embolic, or pulmonary embolic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of urokinase as low as 5,000 U are effective for lyse and wait declotting. A substantial reduction in drug costs can be expected with the "less and wait" modification. Bleeding risk may also be reduced.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Replacement of failing tunneled hemodialysis catheters through pre-existing subcutaneous tunnels: a comparison of catheter function and infection rates for de novo placements and over-the-wire exchanges.

PURPOSE: Tunneled hemodialysis catheter dysfunction often occurs from fibrin sheath formation. As a way to preserve existing catheter venous access sites, the authors evaluated over-the-wire exchange of catheters through pre-existing subcutaneous tunnels as an alternative to catheter removal and de novo catheter replacement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred nineteen catheters were placed in 68 patients. Seventy-seven catheters were placed de novo and 42 catheters were placed through the pre-existing subcutaneous tunnels of failing catheters. Technical success, short-term complications, infection rates, and functional catheter longevity were evaluated. RESULTS: Technical success for catheter exchange was 93%. Infection rates were comparable to those of de novo catheter placement: 0.15 and 0.11 infections per 100 catheter days for de novo and exchanged catheters, respectively. Catheter duration of function was not significantly different for de novo versus exchanged catheters: 63% and 51% at 3 months, 51% and 37% at 6 months, and 35% and 30% at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over-the-wire exchange of tunneled hemodialysis catheters is safe and easily performed. It causes no increase in infectious complications and provides similar catheter longevity to de novo catheter placement. The procedure is an important option for prolonging tunneled hemodialysis catheter access sites.

Catheters, Indwelling↗