How To Use CPT Code 34401

CPT 34401 describes a procedure known as venous embolectomy/thrombectomy, which involves the removal of a clot from the vena cava or iliac vein through an abdominal incision. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 34401, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 34401?

CPT 34401 is a code used to describe a specific procedure called venous embolectomy/thrombectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a clot from either the vena cava or iliac vein through an abdominal incision. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is experienced in this type of surgical intervention.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34401 is: ‘Thrombectomy, direct or with catheter; vena cava, iliac vein, by abdominal incision.’ This code specifically refers to the surgical removal of a clot from the vena cava or iliac vein using an abdominal incision.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the abdomen to access the vena cava or iliac vein.
2. The provider then identifies the clot within the vessel and places clips on either side of it to secure the area.
3. Next, the provider may choose to excise the clot directly from the vein or use a balloon catheter to navigate past the clot and remove it.
4. Once the clot has been successfully removed, the provider checks for normal blood flow using techniques such as Doppler ultrasound.
5. The provider then closes both the vein and the surgical incision using sutures in layers to ensure proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 34401 is used when a patient requires the surgical removal of a clot from either the vena cava or iliac vein. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have experienced a blockage in these major veins, which can lead to serious health complications. The healthcare provider must make an abdominal incision to access the affected area and perform the necessary thrombectomy.

5. When to use CPT code 34401

CPT code 34401 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy procedure on a patient. This code is specifically for cases where the clot is located in the vena cava or iliac vein and requires an abdominal incision for removal. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 34401, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an abdominal incision and any additional techniques or instruments utilized
• Confirmation of successful clot removal and restoration of normal blood flow
• Any complications or additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the healthcare provider who performed the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 34401, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare provider must have made an abdominal incision and performed a direct or catheter-based thrombectomy on the vena cava or iliac vein. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT code 34401 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone no updates or changes since its initial inclusion.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy procedure to remove a clot from the vena cava through an abdominal incision.
2. A healthcare provider performs a thrombectomy on the iliac vein using a catheter-based approach, accessing the vessel through an abdominal incision.
3. A patient requires a direct thrombectomy on the vena cava, and the healthcare provider performs the procedure through an abdominal incision.
4. A healthcare provider performs a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy on the iliac vein, utilizing a combination of direct removal and catheter-based techniques through an abdominal incision.
5. A patient undergoes a thrombectomy on the vena cava, with the healthcare provider making an abdominal incision to access and remove the clot.
6. A healthcare provider performs a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy on the iliac vein, using a balloon catheter to navigate past the clot and remove it through an abdominal incision.
7. A patient requires a direct thrombectomy on the vena cava, and the healthcare provider performs the procedure through an abdominal incision.
8. A healthcare provider performs a thrombectomy on the iliac vein using a catheter-based approach, accessing the vessel through an abdominal incision.
9. A patient undergoes a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy procedure to remove a clot from the vena cava through an abdominal incision.
10. A healthcare provider performs a venous embolectomy/thrombectomy on the iliac vein, utilizing a combination of direct removal and catheter-based techniques through an abdominal incision.