How To Use CPT Code 34715

CPT 34715 describes the procedure of open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34715?

CPT 34715 is used to describe the surgical procedure of open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis. This code is used when the provider makes an incision above or below the clavicle to access the axillary or subclavian artery for the insertion of a tube graft. It is important to note that CPT 34715 should be reported in addition to the code for the primary endovascular repair procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34715 is: ‘Open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for delivery of endovascular prosthesis by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to review the notes associated with this code to ensure accurate reporting.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision either above or below the clavicle, depending on the approach chosen (infraclavicular or supraclavicular).
2. The provider then dissects the tissue, ties off vessels, and retracts ligaments as necessary to expose the axillary or subclavian artery.
3. Once the artery is exposed, the provider proceeds with the delivery of the endovascular prosthesis, also known as a tube graft.
4. After the placement of the endograft, the provider closes the arterial incision and the clavicular incision in layers using sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 34715 is performed when there is a need to access the axillary or subclavian artery for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis. This procedure is typically performed during a primary endovascular repair procedure. It is important to note that CPT 34715 should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes, such as 33363, 33953, 33954, 33959, 33962, 33969, and 33984. Review the documentation and guidelines to ensure accurate reporting.

5. When to use CPT code 34715

CPT code 34715 should be used when the provider performs open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis. It is important to report this code in addition to the code for the primary endovascular repair procedure. However, it should not be reported with certain other codes as mentioned in the qualifying circumstances section.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 34715, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for open axillary/subclavian artery exposure
• Details of the incision made (infraclavicular or supraclavicular)
• Description of the dissection, vessel ligation, and ligament retraction performed
• Confirmation of successful exposure of the axillary or subclavian artery
• Documentation of the delivery of the endovascular prosthesis
• Closure technique used for the arterial and clavicular incisions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 34715, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis. It is important to report this code in addition to the code for the primary endovascular repair procedure. Review the documentation and guidelines to determine if any modifiers or additional codes are necessary for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 34715 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A vascular surgeon performs open axillary artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
2. An interventional radiologist makes an infraclavicular incision to access the subclavian artery for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
3. A cardiovascular surgeon performs supraclavicular incision to expose the axillary artery for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for a subclavian artery aneurysm.
4. An interventional cardiologist performs open axillary artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for a brachiocephalic artery stenosis.
5. A vascular surgeon makes a supraclavicular incision to access the subclavian artery for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for a vertebral artery aneurysm.
6. An interventional radiologist performs open axillary artery exposure for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during a primary endovascular repair procedure for a subclavian artery occlusion.