How To Use CPT Code 0234T

CPT 0234T describes a procedure known as transluminal peripheral atherectomy, which is used to restore blood supply in a narrowed or blocked renal artery. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0234T?

CPT 0234T can be used to describe a specific procedure called transluminal peripheral atherectomy. This procedure is performed to restore blood supply in a renal artery that has become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. The provider removes the deposited plaque through either an open or percutaneous approach, using radiological supervision and interpretation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0234T is: ‘Transluminal peripheral atherectomy, open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation; renal artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the femoral artery or puncturing the skin directly over the suspected area of stenosis in the renal artery.
2. A guide wire is inserted over which a catheter with a shaving device, such as a burr or blade, is advanced to the area of stenosis in the renal artery.
3. Under image guidance, usually fluoroscopy, the provider dissects or shaves off the arterial plaque from the vessel walls using the blade or burr at the end of the catheter.
4. The provider aspirates out the excised plaque from the artery.
5. All instruments are removed, any bleeding is controlled, and the wound is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0234T is performed on patients with a narrowed or blocked renal artery due to the buildup of plaque. The procedure is appropriate when other treatment options have been exhausted or are not suitable for the patient. It is important to note that the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional and include radiological supervision and interpretation.

5. When to use CPT code 0234T

CPT code 0234T should be used when a provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a renal artery. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description, including the use of radiological supervision and interpretation. This code should not be used for procedures performed on other arteries or for different types of atherectomy procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0234T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the narrowed or blocked renal artery
• Details of the procedure, including the approach (open or percutaneous) and the use of radiological supervision and interpretation
• Date of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the procedure, such as the use of a guide wire, catheter, and shaving device
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0234T, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The provider should also report any additional services or procedures performed during the same encounter, using the appropriate codes. It is important to review the documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 0234T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed renal artery due to plaque buildup.
2. Using radiological supervision and interpretation, a provider performs a percutaneous transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked renal artery.
3. A qualified healthcare professional performs an open transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed renal artery, removing the plaque and restoring blood flow.
4. Under fluoroscopy guidance, a provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked renal artery, using a burr to remove the plaque.
5. A provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient’s renal artery, using an open approach and radiological supervision and interpretation.
6. Using a blade at the end of a catheter, a provider performs a percutaneous transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed renal artery.
7. A qualified healthcare professional performs an open transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked renal artery, successfully restoring blood flow.
8. Under fluoroscopy guidance, a provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed renal artery, using a burr to remove the plaque and improve blood flow.
9. A provider performs a transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient’s renal artery, using a percutaneous approach and radiological supervision and interpretation.
10. Using a blade at the end of a catheter, a provider performs an open transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked renal artery, effectively restoring blood flow.