OHIMA Board President Welcome FY2025-26

Hello OHIMA Members,

 

My name is Kristi Fahy Wesolek, and I’m honored to serve as your 2025-2026 OHIMA Board President. To say I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity would be an understatement because we are entering a time of change, and growth, and lots of untapped opportunity—and I truly believe this is our moment to move forward together as a profession.

In 2022, the Executive Board revamped OHIMA’s Strategic Plan to better align with our vision for the future. At the heart of this plan are three pillars: Educate, Engage, Advocate. So literally everything we do as a Board from this point on centers around these values—and this year, we’re reimagining how OHIMA actually operates so that we can better serve you, our members.

Get ready for expanded educational opportunities with lots of fresh, forward-thinking content—including at our 2026 Annual OHIMA Conference, which is March 9–11, and the theme is going to be: From Buds to Branches: Growing HIM Together.

We’re also going to be introducing new ways for you to engage with the OHIMA community—we’ve got fun networking events, lots of dynamic volunteer opportunities, plus you’re going to see a stronger presence on social media with more engaging content and videos.

And then finally, it’s time we amplify the voice of our profession as healthcare continues to evolve especially with the advancement of all sorts of new technology and regulations. Health Information professionals are vital to the future of healthcare and OHIMA is going to be developing new tools and resources to help you advocate for your role, to help you advocate for your career growth, and of course the qualifications that actually define our field.

Lots of exciting times ahead, and I’m honored to lead during this chapter. Thank you for trusting in me. If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with OHIMA, consider this your sign: attend that event, pursue that certification, or even just step into a new volunteer role. However you choose to grow, please know that OHIMA is here to support you.

Thank you—and cheers to a very bright year ahead for all of us!

Kristi Fahy Wesolek, RHIA
President, OHIMA 2025–2026
President@ohima.org

Percutaneous Peritoneal Ascites Pump

This segment of “Spotlight on CPT” will provide information on new Category III CPT codes for procedures related to a percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump. First, some information on what this device is used for. A percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump is an implantable device that facilitates removal of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) by redirecting the fluid to the bladder for natural elimination from the body. 

One type of percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump is the Alphapump seen here:

Source: https://www.ics.org/Abstracts/Publish/180/000713.pdf

 

Notice that the device consists of the implanted pump and two catheters, one that is peritoneal and one in the bladder.

The code for the insertion of the entire system is 0870T. This includes creating the pump pocket, implanting the pump, inserting both catheters with connectors, along with any imaging and initial programming needed for the device.

If the pump needs to be replaced, code 0871T would be assigned which again includes imaging and programming along with the reconnections to the catheters. Should the catheters need replaced, 0872T is the Category III code used. Again, imaging, programming, and connection to the pump are all included in this code. Be aware, that use of this code means that BOTH catheters were replaced. If only one of the catheters needs replaced, use modifier 52 with this code to indicate a reduced service.

If any revision of the system must be done, assign 0873T. This code is applicable for any component of the system that needs revision, and by now you know the chorus – any imaging and programming are included. For any programming that may need done separately from the initial insertion, revision, or replacement, code 0875T may be assigned as long as it is provided by a physician or other qualified health care professional.

When it is time for the percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump system to be removed, assign 0874T. This code includes removal of all components of the system.

Now, light has been shed on coding for percutaneous peritoneal ascites pump procedures.

 

About the Author

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS, has 25 years of HIM experience. She’s an AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, an AHIMA-published author, a participant in AHIMA credential item writing and exam development, and served on the AHIMA Nominating Committee. She presents on coding topics at the national, state, and regional levels and serves as OHIMA’s Education Coordinator.