How To Use CPT Code 35301

CPT 35301 describes a surgical procedure known as thromboendarterectomy, which involves the removal of thrombus and plaques from the carotid, vertebral, or subclavian artery through a neck incision. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 35301?

CPT 35301 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called thromboendarterectomy. This procedure involves the removal of thrombus and plaques from the carotid, vertebral, or subclavian artery through a neck incision. It is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional in order to restore normal blood flow and prevent further complications.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35301 is: ‘Thromboendarterectomy, including patch graft, if performed; carotid, vertebral, subclavian, by neck incision.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare professional begins by making an incision in the neck to access the affected artery.
2. Clamps are placed on both sides of the affected area to stop blood flow.
3. If necessary, a temporary vascular shunt may be placed to maintain blood flow during the procedure.
4. The provider then performs an endarterectomy, which involves removing the thrombus and atherosclerosis from the inner lining of the artery.
5. If a patch graft is required, the healthcare professional may harvest a vein from the patient’s body and use it to cover the defect.
6. The artery is then closed with sutures, and the shunt and clamps are removed to restore normal blood flow.
7. The incision in the neck is closed in layers to ensure proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35301 is typically performed on patients who have atherosclerosis, a chronic disease characterized by the abnormal thickening of artery walls due to fatty deposits. The procedure is indicated when there is a need to remove thrombus and plaques from the carotid, vertebral, or subclavian artery. It is important that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in thromboendarterectomy.

5. When to use CPT code 35301

CPT code 35301 should be used when a healthcare professional performs a thromboendarterectomy procedure on the carotid, vertebral, or subclavian artery through a neck incision. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the specific procedure described and not for other related procedures or interventions.

6. Documentation requirements

In order to support a claim for CPT code 35301, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for thromboendarterectomy
• Details of the procedure, including the specific artery involved and the use of a patch graft, if performed
• Date of the procedure and the start and end time
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 35301, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The procedure should be performed through a neck incision on the carotid, vertebral, or subclavian artery. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set forth by the payer or insurance company.

8. Historical information

CPT code 35301 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been no updates or changes to the code.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s carotid artery through a neck incision.
2. A vascular specialist removing thrombus and plaques from a patient’s subclavian artery using a patch graft during a thromboendarterectomy procedure.
3. An interventional radiologist performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s vertebral artery through a neck incision.
4. A cardiovascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s carotid artery using a patch graft during the procedure.
5. A vascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s subclavian artery through a neck incision.
6. A thoracic surgeon removing thrombus and plaques from a patient’s carotid artery using a patch graft during a thromboendarterectomy procedure.
7. An interventional radiologist performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s vertebral artery through a neck incision.
8. A vascular specialist performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s subclavian artery using a patch graft during the procedure.
9. A cardiovascular surgeon removing thrombus and plaques from a patient’s carotid artery through a neck incision.
10. A vascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on a patient’s subclavian artery through a neck incision.