How To Use CPT Code 34111

CPT 34111 describes the procedure of embolectomy or thrombectomy, with or without catheter, specifically targeting the radial or ulnar artery through an incision in the arm. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34111?

CPT 34111 is a code used to describe a specific surgical procedure known as embolectomy or thrombectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a blockage or clot from the radial or ulnar artery, which are major blood vessels in the arm. The procedure may or may not involve the use of a catheter, depending on the specific case.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34111 is: ‘Embolectomy or thrombectomy, with or without catheter; radial or ulnar artery, by arm incision.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the arm to access the radial or ulnar artery.
2. The provider identifies the site of occlusion or blockage in the artery.
3. Clamps are applied above and below the blockage to temporarily stop blood flow.
4. The provider opens the artery at the site of the blockage and removes the clot or blockage.
5. In some cases, a balloon catheter may be used to help clear the blockage as it exits the vessel.
6. The provider repairs the artery and checks for normal blood flow using techniques such as Doppler ultrasound.
7. The incision is closed with sutures, and a padded crepe bandage may be applied to prevent hematoma.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 34111 is performed on patients who have a blockage or clot in the radial or ulnar artery. The procedure is typically indicated when the blockage is causing symptoms or impairing blood flow to the arm. It is important to note that this procedure is specific to the radial or ulnar artery and should not be used for other arteries.

5. When to use CPT code 34111

CPT code 34111 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an embolectomy or thrombectomy procedure on the radial or ulnar artery through an incision in the arm. It is important to accurately document the specific artery targeted and whether a catheter was used during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 34111, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and indication for the procedure
• Specific artery targeted (radial or ulnar)
• Details of the procedure, including whether a catheter was used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 34111, ensure that the procedure was performed on the radial or ulnar artery through an incision in the arm. It is important to accurately document the specific artery targeted and whether a catheter was used. Additionally, be aware of any specific coding guidelines or modifiers that may apply to the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 34111 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an embolectomy on the radial artery of a patient with acute limb ischemia.
2. During a thrombectomy procedure, a surgeon removes a clot from the ulnar artery of a patient with compromised blood flow to the hand.
3. An interventional radiologist performs an embolectomy on the radial artery using a catheter to clear the blockage.
4. A vascular surgeon performs a thrombectomy on the ulnar artery of a patient with a history of recurrent blood clots.
5. A cardiologist performs an embolectomy on the radial artery of a patient with acute arterial occlusion.
6. A vascular surgeon performs a thrombectomy on the ulnar artery using a balloon catheter to remove the clot.
7. A healthcare provider performs an embolectomy on the radial artery of a patient with acute limb ischemia.
8. During a thrombectomy procedure, a surgeon removes a clot from the ulnar artery of a patient with compromised blood flow to the hand.
9. An interventional radiologist performs an embolectomy on the radial artery using a catheter to clear the blockage.
10. A vascular surgeon performs a thrombectomy on the ulnar artery of a patient with a history of recurrent blood clots.