How To Use CPT Code 35207

CPT 35207 describes the repair of a blood vessel in the hand or finger. 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 35207?

CPT 35207 is used to describe the repair of a blood vessel in the hand or finger. During this procedure, a healthcare provider makes an incision over the affected vessel, controls bleeding, and closes the vessel to restore normal blood flow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35207 is: ‘Repair blood vessel, direct; hand, finger.’

3. Procedure

1. To perform the procedure, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision over the affected blood vessel in the hand or finger.
2. Clamps are then applied around the target repair site in the vessel to ensure proper repair.
3. The provider applies manual pressure over the site of vascular injury to control bleeding.
4. The affected vessel is cleaned and the edges of the wound are prepared for repair.
5. Sutures are used to repair the vessel.
6. The clamps are removed and the provider checks for normal blood flow through the repaired vessel, possibly using a Doppler probe.
7. The incision is closed with sutures in layers, and a crepe bandage may be applied to prevent hematoma.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35207 is used when a patient requires the repair of a blood vessel in the hand or finger. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have experienced vascular injury or damage in these areas. It is important to note that this code is specific to repairs in the hand or finger and should not be used for repairs in other areas of the body.

5. When to use CPT code 35207

CPT code 35207 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a direct repair of a blood vessel in the hand or finger. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed specifically in the hand or finger and not in other areas of the body. If the repair is performed in the upper extremity, CPT code 35206 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35207, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for blood vessel repair
• Specific details of the procedure, including the location of the repair (hand or finger)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the repair process, including the use of clamps, manual pressure, sutures, and closure techniques
• Confirmation of normal blood flow through the repaired vessel, if applicable
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35207, ensure that the procedure is performed specifically in the hand or finger. Use the appropriate CPT code for repairs in other areas of the body. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and coding for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 35207 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a direct repair of a blood vessel in a patient’s finger following a traumatic injury.
2. A hand specialist repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s hand to restore blood flow after a blockage.
3. A plastic surgeon performs a direct repair of a blood vessel in a patient’s finger to improve circulation and promote healing.
4. An orthopedic surgeon repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s hand during a procedure to treat a complex fracture.
5. A vascular surgeon performs a direct repair of a blood vessel in a patient’s finger to address a vascular malformation.
6. A hand surgeon repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s hand to restore blood flow and improve function after a severe burn injury.
7. A microsurgeon performs a direct repair of a blood vessel in a patient’s finger as part of a complex reconstructive procedure.
8. An interventional radiologist repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s hand using minimally invasive techniques to treat a vascular condition.
9. A plastic surgeon repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s finger to improve the success of a skin graft procedure.
10. An orthopedic hand surgeon repairs a blood vessel in a patient’s hand to address complications following a previous surgery.