How To Use CPT Code 34713

CPT 34713 describes the percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, when performed, on one side of the body. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34713?

CPT 34713 can be used to describe the percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, when performed, on one side of the body. This code is used when the provider makes a small incision through the skin and femoral artery, inserts a 12F or larger sheath, and delivers an endograft to repair the artery. The incisions in the artery and skin are then closed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34713 is: ‘Percutaneous access and closure of femoral artery for delivery of endograft through a large sheath (12 French or larger), including ultrasound guidance, when performed, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ Notes: (Use 34713 in conjunction with specific codes, do not report with certain other codes, and do not report ultrasound guidance for the same access).

3. Procedure

1. During a primary endovascular repair procedure, the provider makes a small incision through the skin in the groin over the femoral artery.
2. The provider punctures the artery and, typically using ultrasound guidance, introduces a large sheath to provide better access for the placement of an endograft.
3. After the placement of the endograft, the provider removes the sheath and closes the artery and the groin incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 34713 is used when the provider performs percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on one side of the body. It should be used in conjunction with specific codes and should not be reported with certain other codes. Ultrasound guidance for the same access should not be reported with CPT 34713.

5. When to use CPT code 34713

CPT code 34713 should be used when the provider performs percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on one side of the body. It should be reported in addition to the code for the primary endovascular repair procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 34713, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the incision, puncture, sheath insertion, endograft delivery, and closure of the artery and incision
• Use of ultrasound guidance, if performed
• Side of the body on which the procedure was performed
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 34713, ensure that the procedure is performed on one side of the body and includes percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, when performed. Use the appropriate primary procedure code in conjunction with CPT 34713. Do not report CPT 34713 with certain other codes or with ultrasound guidance for the same access.

8. Historical information

CPT 34713 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on the right side of the body during an endovascular repair procedure of the abdominal aorta.
2. A provider performing percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on the left side of the body during an endovascular repair procedure of the iliac arteries.
3. A provider performing percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on the right side of the body during an endovascular repair procedure of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliac arteries.
4. A provider performing percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on the left side of the body during an endovascular repair procedure of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliac arteries.
5. A provider performing percutaneous access and closure of the femoral artery for the delivery of an endograft through a large sheath, including ultrasound guidance, on the right side of the body during an endovascular repair procedure of the abdominal aorta and unilateral iliac artery.