How To Use CPT Code 75635

CPT 75635 is a code for computed tomographic angiography of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff with contrast material. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 75635.

1. What is CPT 75635?

CPT 75635 is a medical procedure code used to describe computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff with contrast material. This diagnostic imaging technique is used to visualize blood vessels in the abdominal aorta and both lower extremities, helping healthcare providers diagnose and treat various vascular conditions.

2. 75635 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 75635 is: “Computed tomographic angiography, abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing.”

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned on the CT scanner table.
2. Noncontrast images may be captured, if necessary, to establish a baseline for comparison.
3. A contrast material is administered intravenously or through a catheter to highlight the blood vessels in the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff.
4. CT images are captured as the contrast material flows through the blood vessels.
5. Postprocessing techniques are applied to the images to enhance visualization and interpretation.
6. The radiologist interprets the images and provides a report to the referring physician.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 75635 services are those with suspected or known vascular conditions affecting the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, aortic aneurysms, arterial stenosis, arterial occlusions, and peripheral artery disease. The procedure may also be used to evaluate the success of vascular interventions or surgeries.

5. When to use CPT code 75635

It is appropriate to bill the 75635 CPT code when a healthcare provider performs a computed tomographic angiography of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff with contrast material for diagnostic purposes. This code should be used when the procedure includes noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 75635, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms
• Physical examination findings
• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the contrast material administration
• Description of the images captured, including noncontrast images, if performed
• Image postprocessing techniques used
• Radiologist’s interpretation and report

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 75635, it is essential to follow specific guidelines and rules to ensure accurate reimbursement. Some key points to consider include:

• Do not report 75635 in conjunction with 72191, 73706, 74174, or 74175.
• Use modifier 26 for the professional component and modifier TC for the technical component, if applicable.
• Ensure proper documentation to support the medical necessity of the procedure.
• Check payer policies for contrast coverage and reportable supply codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 75635 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. The code was changed on January 1, 2008, with the previous descriptor being “Computed tomographic angiography, abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff, radiological supervision and interpretation, without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sections, including image post-processing.”

9. Similar codes to CPT 75635

Five similar codes to CPT 75635 and how they differ are:

• CPT 72191: Focuses on computed tomographic angiography of the pelvis.
• CPT 73706: Involves computed tomographic angiography of the lower extremity.
• CPT 74174: Covers computed tomographic angiography of both the abdomen and pelvis.
• CPT 74175: Pertains to computed tomographic angiography of the abdomen only.
• CPT 93451: Right heart catheterization, which may include a CT scan of the abdomen.

10. Examples

1. CTA for a patient with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm
2. CTA for a patient with known peripheral artery disease to assess disease progression
3. CTA for a patient with intermittent claudication to evaluate arterial stenosis
4. CTA for a patient with a history of aortic dissection to monitor for complications
5. CTA for a patient with suspected arterial occlusion in the lower extremities
6. CTA for a patient with a history of vascular surgery to assess graft patency
7. CTA for a patient with a suspected aortoiliac disease
8. CTA for a patient with a history of endovascular aneurysm repair to monitor for endoleaks
9. CTA for a patient with suspected arteriovenous malformation in the lower extremities
10. CTA for a patient with a history of deep vein thrombosis to evaluate for post-thrombotic syndrome