How To Use CPT Code 35001

CPT 35001 describes the direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft, for an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease in the carotid or subclavian artery, performed through a neck incision. 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 35001?

CPT 35001 can be used to describe the direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft, for an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease in the carotid or subclavian artery. This procedure is performed through a neck incision and is used to treat conditions where there is a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel or ventricle of the heart, causing it to balloon out.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35001 is: ‘Direct repair of aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft; for aneurysm and associated occlusive disease, carotid, subclavian artery, by neck incision.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision in the front of the neck, on the outer one-third of the clavicle through the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
2. The provider dissects the structures surrounding the target site in the carotid or subclavian artery and applies clamps on either side.
3. The provider removes the aneurysm and any other obstructions present.
4. The provider sutures the remaining ends of the artery together or places a graft to fill in the gap created in the artery.
5. The provider may also place a patch graft, suturing a piece of tissue like a patch over an open area on one side of the vessel to cover the area or help widen the artery and ease blood flow.
6. The provider closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 35001 are those with an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease in the carotid or subclavian artery. The procedure is performed through a neck incision and is used to repair the aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excise the affected area and insert a graft, with or without a patch graft. The provider must carefully assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for this specific procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 35001

CPT code 35001 should be used when the provider performs a direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft, for an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease in the carotid or subclavian artery. This code is specific to procedures performed through a neck incision and should not be used for other types of repairs or graft insertions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35001, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease
• Details of the procedure performed, including the use of a neck incision
• Specific repair technique used, such as direct repair, graft insertion, or excision
• Whether a patch graft was used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35001, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. The provider must perform a direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft, for an aneurysm and associated occlusive disease in the carotid or subclavian artery through a neck incision. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 35001 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. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to coding guidelines and documentation requirements.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a direct repair of an aneurysm in the carotid artery through a neck incision.