How To Use CPT Code 34716

CPT 34716 describes the procedure of open axillary/subclavian artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34716?

CPT 34716 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the open exposure of the axillary or subclavian artery. During this procedure, a conduit is created in the artery to allow for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This code should be used in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34716 is the open axillary/subclavian artery exposure with the creation of a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral. It is important to note that this code should be listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision either below or above the clavicle, depending on the specific case.
2. The provider then dissects the tissue and ties off any vessels that may obstruct access to the axillary or subclavian artery.
3. Once the artery is exposed, the provider creates a conduit, which is a pathway, for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass.
4. After the necessary intervention is completed, the provider closes the incisions in layers using sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 34716 is used when the open axillary/subclavian artery exposure procedure is performed to create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with other primary procedures, and the code should be listed separately to accurately reflect the additional work performed by the healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 34716

CPT code 34716 should be used when the open axillary/subclavian artery exposure procedure is performed to create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis or for the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass. It is important to note that this code should only be reported once per side, and for bilateral procedures, it should be reported twice. Modifier 50 should not be used in conjunction with CPT code 34716.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 34716, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the open axillary/subclavian artery exposure
• Description of the conduit created
• Any additional procedures performed
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 34716, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in conjunction with a primary procedure. This code should be listed separately in addition to the code for the primary procedure. Modifier 50 should not be used with CPT code 34716. It is also important to review the list of codes provided to determine if any additional codes should be reported in conjunction with CPT code 34716.

8. Historical information

CPT code 34716 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.

These codes are used for different procedures related to endovascular repair and should be carefully reviewed to determine the most appropriate code for the specific case.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs an open axillary artery exposure procedure to create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis during an endovascular repair of the abdominal aorta.
2. During a cardiac surgery, a healthcare provider performs an open subclavian artery exposure procedure to establish cardiopulmonary bypass.
3. A patient undergoes an endovascular repair of the iliac arteries, and the healthcare provider performs an open axillary artery exposure procedure to create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis.
4. As part of a complex vascular surgery, a healthcare provider performs an open subclavian artery exposure procedure to establish cardiopulmonary bypass.
5. A patient with a thoracic aortic aneurysm undergoes an endovascular repair, and the healthcare provider performs an open axillary artery exposure procedure to create a conduit for the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis.