How To Use CPT Code 34201

CPT 34201 describes the procedure of embolectomy or thrombectomy, with or without catheter, specifically in the femoropopliteal and aortoiliac arteries, performed through an incision in the leg. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 34201, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34201?

CPT 34201 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure known as embolectomy or thrombectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a clot from the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac arteries, which are major blood vessels located in the leg. The provider makes an incision in the leg and enters the affected artery to remove the clot. The procedure may or may not involve the use of a catheter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34201 is: ‘Embolectomy or thrombectomy, with or without catheter; femoropopliteal, aortoiliac artery, by leg incision.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider begins by making an incision in the leg.
2. They then identify the site of occlusion in either the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac artery.
3. Clamps are applied above and below the blockage in the artery to temporarily halt blood flow.
4. The provider detaches the blocked artery from surrounding structures and vessels.
5. The clot is carefully extracted from the artery.
6. In some cases, a balloon catheter may be introduced into the artery to remove any remaining clots as the catheter exits the vessel.
7. The provider repairs the artery and closes the incision with sutures in layers.
8. They may use a Doppler probe to check for normal blood flow through the repaired vessel.
9. To prevent hematoma, a padded crepe bandage may be applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 34201 is typically performed on patients who have a blockage or occlusion in either the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac artery. These blockages can be caused by the presence of a clot or embolus. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is skilled in performing surgical interventions. It is important to note that the procedure may or may not involve the use of a catheter.

5. When to use CPT code 34201

CPT code 34201 should be used when a provider performs an embolectomy or thrombectomy procedure on the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac arteries through an incision in the leg. It is important to accurately document the specific arteries involved and whether or not a catheter was used during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 34201, the following documentation is required:

• Specific arteries involved (femoropopliteal or aortoiliac)
• Details on the use of a catheter, if applicable
• Description of the procedure performed, including any additional steps taken
• Incision site and closure method
• Confirmation of normal blood flow through the repaired vessel
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 34201, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed on the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac arteries through an incision in the leg. If an angioscope was used during the procedure, it should be reported with an additional code, such as +35400. It is also important to note that there are other codes available for specific scenarios, such as the removal of a clot from the popliteal-tibio-peroneal artery (CPT 34203).

8. Historical information

CPT code 34201 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 patient presents with a blockage in their femoropopliteal artery, and the provider performs an embolectomy procedure through an incision in the leg.
2. A clot is discovered in the aortoiliac artery of a patient, and the provider performs a thrombectomy procedure using a catheter and an incision in the leg.
3. A patient is diagnosed with an occlusion in their femoropopliteal artery, and the provider performs an embolectomy procedure without the use of a catheter through an incision in the leg.
4. An individual presents with a blockage in their aortoiliac artery, and the provider performs a thrombectomy procedure using a catheter and an incision in the leg.
5. A patient is found to have a clot in their femoropopliteal artery, and the provider performs an embolectomy procedure through an incision in the leg.
6. A clot is discovered in the aortoiliac artery of a patient, and the provider performs a thrombectomy procedure without the use of a catheter through an incision in the leg.
7. An individual presents with an occlusion in their femoropopliteal artery, and the provider performs an embolectomy procedure using a catheter and an incision in the leg.