How To Use CPT Code 0236T

CPT 0236T describes a procedure known as transluminal peripheral atherectomy for the abdominal aorta. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of CPT code 0236T.

1. What is CPT Code 0236T?

CPT 0236T is a code used to describe a specific procedure called transluminal peripheral atherectomy for the abdominal aorta. This procedure is performed to restore blood supply in a narrowed or blocked abdominal aorta by removing deposited plaque through either an open or percutaneous approach.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0236T is: ‘Transluminal peripheral atherectomy, open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation; abdominal aorta.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the femoral artery or punctures the skin directly over the suspected area of stenosis in the abdominal aorta.
2. Under image guidance, usually fluoroscopy, a guide wire is inserted followed by a catheter with a shaving device, such as a burr or blade, at the end.
3. The provider then dissects or shaves the arterial plaque from the vessel walls using the burr or blade on the end of the catheter.
4. Excised plaque is aspirated out of the artery.
5. Finally, the provider removes all instruments, controls any bleeding, and closes the incisions in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

To qualify for CPT code 0236T, the patient must have a narrowed or blocked abdominal aorta that requires restoration of blood supply. The procedure can be performed either through an open surgical approach or percutaneously. The provider must also perform radiological supervision and interpretation during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 0236T

CPT code 0236T should be used when a healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy specifically for the abdominal aorta. It is important to note that this code is not appropriate for other arteries, such as the renal artery, visceral aorta, brachiocephalic trunk and branches, or iliac artery.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0236T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the narrowed or blocked abdominal aorta
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (open or percutaneous)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Documentation of radiological supervision and interpretation
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0236T, ensure that the procedure is performed for the abdominal aorta and includes radiological supervision and interpretation. It is important to use the appropriate code based on the specific artery being treated. For example, use code 0234T for transluminal peripheral atherectomy of the renal artery, 0235T for the visceral aorta, 0237T for the brachiocephalic trunk and branches, and 0238T for the iliac artery.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0236T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed abdominal aorta, using an open surgical approach.
2. Using a percutaneous approach, a provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked abdominal aorta.
3. A healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed abdominal aorta, using fluoroscopy for radiological supervision and interpretation.
4. Using an open surgical approach, a provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked abdominal aorta, documenting any complications encountered during the procedure.
5. A healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed abdominal aorta, followed by closure of the incisions in layers.
6. Using a percutaneous approach, a provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked abdominal aorta, aspirating out the excised plaque from the artery.
7. A healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed abdominal aorta, documenting the start and end time of the procedure.
8. Using an open surgical approach, a provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked abdominal aorta, ensuring radiological supervision and interpretation throughout the procedure.
9. A healthcare provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a narrowed abdominal aorta, documenting the need for restoration of blood supply.
10. Using a percutaneous approach, a provider performs transluminal peripheral atherectomy on a patient with a blocked abdominal aorta, including closure of the incisions in layers.