CPT Code 49435 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 49435 describes the placement of an abdominal catheter extension and subcutaneous tunneling to an upper chest exit site, which is performed during the same session as intraperitoneal cannula or catheter placement.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 49435 as: “Insertion of subcutaneous extension to intraperitoneal cannula or catheter with remote chest exit site (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)”.
Billing Guidelines
Use CPT code 49435 in combination with CPT codes 49324 and 49421.
Clinical Information
The procedure describes by CPT code 49435 is a medical procedure that involves extending a cannula or catheter after it has been placed in the patient’s body. This procedure is only done after the patient has been appropriately prepped and anesthetized, and the primary procedure of cannula or catheter placement has been completed by the provider.
Once the catheter or cannula has been placed, the provider will perform the additional service of extending it. This is done by joining two tubing components using a titanium connector and securing the connecting joints by means such as polypropylene ligatures. The provider will then advance a tunneling device from the abdominal insertion incision to an upper chest incision and pull the extension tube through the subcutaneous tunnel.
After a successful connection has been made, the extension tube is then extended from the upper chest incision to the designated skin exit site with appropriate positioning to complete the insertion procedure. During this process, the provider ensures that the tube is in the correct position and adequately extends out of the patient’s body.
Upon completion of the tube extension, the provider then performs the necessary steps to test if there is an adequate flow of fluids through the catheter and extension. Once it has been confirmed that things are working correctly, the provider will begin to close the abdominal incision in layers.
The procedure’s primary objective is to ensure that the patient is comfortable throughout the insertion process and that the tubing extension is correctly placed. Patients who need long-term medical treatment will often undergo this procedure. The procedure is also commonly performed on patients who require regular medications, intravenous fluids or need blood transfusions or nutrition.
In conclusion, the CPT code 49435 procedure is a highly specialized medical procedure that’s carried out by medical professionals to ensure that the patient undergoes no unnecessary injury or complications during the process of tube or catheter extension. It is a highly important procedure that has saved the lives of millions of people worldwide. As with any medical procedure, it is important to consult a qualified medical professional to determine if this procedure is necessary for you or someone you know.
Return to all the CPT codes for peritoneal-venous shunt procedures.
