How To Use CPT Code 35151

CPT 35151 describes the direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion in the popliteal artery. 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 35151?

CPT 35151 is used to describe the direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion in the popliteal artery. This procedure involves making an incision below the knee to access the aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery. The provider then performs direct repair or places a graft at the site of repair.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35151 is: ‘Direct repair of aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft; for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and associated occlusive disease, popliteal artery.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision below the knee to access the aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery.
2. The provider performs direct repair or places a graft at the site of repair.
3. If necessary, the provider may also place a patch graft to cover an open area on one side of the vessel or help widen the artery and improve blood flow.
4. The provider closes the incision with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35151 is used for patients with aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or associated occlusive disease in the popliteal artery. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and may involve the use of a graft or patch graft.

5. When to use CPT code 35151

CPT code 35151 should be used when the provider performs a direct repair of an aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion in the popliteal artery. This code should not be used for other types of repairs or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35151, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or associated occlusive disease in the popliteal artery
• Description of the procedure performed, including whether a graft or patch graft was used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35151, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional details or complications encountered. CPT code 35151 should not be reported with other codes unless the provider performs a repair of a ruptured aneurysm of the popliteal artery with or without graft placement, in which case CPT code 35152 should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT code 35151 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. However, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a direct repair of an aneurysm in the popliteal artery, using a graft to reinforce the repair.
2. A vascular specialist excises a pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and performs a direct repair without the need for a graft.
3. A cardiovascular surgeon performs a partial excision of an aneurysm in the popliteal artery and inserts a patch graft to cover the open area.
4. An interventional radiologist performs a total excision of a pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and performs a direct repair without the need for a graft or patch graft.
5. A vascular surgeon performs a direct repair of an aneurysm in the popliteal artery, using a graft and a patch graft to reinforce the repair.
6. A cardiovascular specialist performs a partial excision of a pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and inserts a graft to fill in the gap created in the artery.
7. An interventional radiologist performs a total excision of an aneurysm in the popliteal artery and performs a direct repair without the need for a graft or patch graft.
8. A vascular surgeon performs a direct repair of a pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery, using a graft to reinforce the repair.
9. A cardiovascular specialist performs a partial excision of an aneurysm in the popliteal artery and inserts a patch graft to cover the open area.
10. An interventional radiologist performs a total excision of a pseudoaneurysm in the popliteal artery and performs a direct repair without the need for a graft or patch graft.