How To Use CPT Code 35236

CPT 35236 describes the repair of an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft. 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 35236?

CPT 35236 is used to describe the repair of an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft. This code is used when a provider makes an incision in the skin of the upper extremity to access the vessel requiring repair. The provider then sutures the graft into place to repair the vessel.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35236 is: ‘Repair blood vessel with vein graft; upper extremity.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the upper extremity to access the vessel requiring repair.
3. The provider dissects and moves soft tissue and vessels as necessary to reach the target area.
4. Bleeding is controlled manually.
5. If a graft is needed, an incision is made at another site of the body to harvest the vein graft.
6. The graft is prepared and sutured into place to repair the vessel.
7. The provider checks for normal blood flow through the repaired vessel using a Doppler probe.
8. The incision is repaired with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35236 is used when there is an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the upper extremity that requires repair. The procedure involves the use of a vein graft to repair the vessel. The provider must make an incision in the skin of the upper extremity and dissect soft tissue and vessels to access the target area. The procedure may also involve the harvesting of a vein graft from another site of the body, such as the saphenous vein.

5. When to use CPT code 35236

CPT code 35236 should be used when a provider performs a repair of an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft. This code should not be used for repairs involving grafts other than a vein or for repairs in other areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35236, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for vessel repair
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a vein graft
• Date of the procedure
• Incision site and details of the dissection
• Details of the graft harvesting, if applicable
• Confirmation of normal blood flow through the repaired vessel
• Details of the incision repair
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35236, ensure that the procedure involves the repair of an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft. This code should not be reported with other codes unless specified in the documentation. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 35236 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 repairs an abnormal blood vessel in the upper extremity of a patient using a vein graft.
2. A vascular specialist performs a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the upper extremity with a vein graft.
3. An interventional radiologist uses CPT code 35236 to bill for the repair of an abnormal blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft.
4. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the upper extremity with a vein graft.
5. A vascular surgeon uses CPT code 35236 to document the repair of an abnormal blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft.
6. An orthopedic surgeon performs a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the upper extremity with a vein graft.
7. A plastic surgeon uses CPT code 35236 to bill for the repair of an abnormal blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft.
8. A general surgeon performs a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the upper extremity with a vein graft.
9. An interventional cardiologist uses CPT code 35236 to document the repair of an abnormal blood vessel in the upper extremity using a vein graft.
10. A vascular specialist performs a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the upper extremity with a vein graft.