How To Use CPT Code 37224

CPT 37224 refers to a revascularization procedure involving the femoral or popliteal artery, performed with transluminal angioplasty. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, billing guidelines, documentation requirements, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 37224.

1. What is CPT 37224?

CPT 37224 is a medical code used to describe a specific type of revascularization procedure. This procedure is performed to restore blood flow in a narrowed or blocked unilateral femoral or popliteal artery through an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. The procedure involves the use of transluminal angioplasty, a surgical technique that involves the insertion of a balloon catheter to expand the lumen of the blood vessel and improve blood flow.

2. 37224 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 37224 is: “Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, femoral, popliteal artery(s), unilateral; with transluminal angioplasty.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider makes a small incision or inserts a needle through the skin to puncture the occluded, or blocked, femoral or popliteal artery.
3. A guidewire is introduced through the opening, which will be used to introduce the catheter.
4. Arteriography is used as imaging guidance, and the guidewire is used to introduce a balloon catheter into the artery, advancing it to the site of occlusion.
5. The position of the balloon catheter is confirmed using angiography.
6. The balloon is inflated at the site of the occlusion, expanding it against the wall of the lumen to increase the diameter of the vessel.
7. The catheter is withdrawn, and the incision or site of puncture in the blood vessel is sutured.
8. The patient’s vital signs and stability are monitored.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 37224 services are those with a narrowed or blocked unilateral femoral or popliteal artery, which may be caused by conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) or atherosclerosis. The procedure is typically performed when conservative treatments, such as medications and lifestyle changes, have not been effective in improving blood flow and alleviating symptoms. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the severity of the patient’s condition, the presence of symptoms, and the potential risks and benefits of the intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 37224

It is appropriate to bill the 37224 CPT code when a provider performs a revascularization procedure on a patient with a narrowed or blocked unilateral femoral or popliteal artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach with transluminal angioplasty. This code should be used when the procedure is medically necessary and has been determined to be the most appropriate treatment option for the patient’s condition.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37224, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• Patient’s medical history, including the presence of peripheral artery disease or other conditions causing arterial narrowing or blockage
• Physical examination findings, including any signs or symptoms related to the affected artery
• Diagnostic tests, such as Doppler ultrasound or angiography, confirming the presence of arterial narrowing or blockage
• Conservative treatments attempted and their outcomes
• Rationale for performing the revascularization procedure, including the potential risks and benefits
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used, steps performed, and any complications encountered
• Postoperative monitoring and follow-up care

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 37224, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules to ensure accurate reimbursement. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT code 37224 include:

• Ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and supported by the patient’s medical record documentation
• Use appropriate modifiers, if necessary, to indicate any special circumstances related to the procedure
• Be aware of any payer-specific guidelines or requirements for billing CPT code 37224
• Stay up-to-date on any changes to CPT codes or billing guidelines that may affect the use of CPT code 37224

8. Historical information

CPT 37224 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 37224

Five similar codes to CPT 37224 and how they differentiate from CPT 37224 are:

1. CPT 37225: This code is used when the provider performs a revascularization procedure with atherectomy, which involves the removal of plaque from the blood vessel. It includes angioplasty within the same vessel when performed.
2. CPT 37226: This code is used when the provider performs a revascularization procedure with transluminal stent placement. It may also include angioplasty within the same vessel when performed.
3. CPT 37227: This code is used when the provider performs a revascularization procedure with both transluminal stent placement and atherectomy. It may also include angioplasty within the same vessel when performed.
4. CPT 37228: This code is used when the provider performs a revascularization procedure on the tibial or peroneal artery with transluminal angioplasty.
5. CPT 37229: This code is used when the provider performs a revascularization procedure on the tibial or peroneal artery with atherectomy, including angioplasty within the same vessel when performed.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 37224 procedures:

1. A 65-year-old patient with peripheral artery disease and severe claudication undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty on the left femoral artery.
2. A 72-year-old patient with atherosclerosis and a history of non-healing ulcers undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty on the right popliteal artery.
3. A 58-year-old patient with diabetes and a narrowed femoral artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
4. A 69-year-old patient with a history of smoking and a blocked popliteal artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage.
5. A 63-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and a narrowed femoral artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.
6. A 70-year-old patient with a history of hyperlipidemia and a blocked popliteal artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.
7. A 60-year-old patient with a history of coronary artery disease and a narrowed femoral artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
8. A 67-year-old patient with a history of stroke and a blocked popliteal artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.
9. A 55-year-old patient with a history of obesity and a narrowed femoral artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications.
10. A 71-year-old patient with a history of renal disease and a blocked popliteal artery undergoes a revascularization procedure with transluminal angioplasty to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage.