How To Use CPT Code 35371

CPT 35371 describes the surgical procedure known as thromboendarterectomy, specifically for the common femoral artery. This article will provide an overview of the code, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when CPT 35371 should be used.

1. What is CPT Code 35371?

CPT 35371 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called thromboendarterectomy, which involves the removal of thrombus and plaques from the common femoral artery. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to restore normal blood flow in the affected artery and improve the patient’s overall vascular health.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35371 is: ‘Thromboendarterectomy, including patch graft, if performed; common femoral.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the groin area to access the common femoral artery.
2. If necessary, the provider may harvest a vein to create a graft, making an incision over the vein, excising the graft, and tying off the donor vein ends.
3. The provider then places vascular clamps as needed and opens the artery to perform the thromboendarterectomy.
4. Thromboendarterectomy involves removing the portion of the artery where the thrombus or atherosclerosis has formed, including the inner lining of the artery (intima).
5. If required, the provider may use a synthetic or homogenous patch graft to cover any defects or replace removed tissue.
6. After ensuring normal blood flow, the provider closes the arterial opening with sutures and closes the skin incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35371 is used when a patient requires a thromboendarterectomy procedure specifically on the common femoral artery. This procedure is typically performed on patients with atherosclerosis, a chronic disease characterized by the abnormal thickening of artery walls due to fatty deposits. The patient must have a medical necessity for the procedure, and the healthcare provider must determine that the benefits outweigh the risks.

5. When to use CPT code 35371

CPT code 35371 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a thromboendarterectomy procedure on the common femoral artery. It is important to note that this code is specific to the common femoral artery and should not be used for procedures on other arteries or veins. If the procedure involves a different artery or vein, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 35371, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and medical necessity for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific artery (common femoral) and any additional procedures performed, such as patch grafting
• Date of the procedure
• Incision site and approach
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Details of the closure technique
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 35371, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed on the common femoral artery. This code should not be reported if the procedure was performed on a different artery or vein. Additionally, it is essential to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance carriers or payers to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 35371 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been some historical changes to the code, including a code change on January 1, 2007, which added the option for a patch graft if performed. In 2017, it was also added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a thromboendarterectomy procedure on their common femoral artery to remove a thrombus and restore normal blood flow.
2. A healthcare provider performs a thromboendarterectomy with a patch graft on the common femoral artery to address atherosclerosis.
3. During a surgical procedure, a provider performs a thromboendarterectomy on the common femoral artery, removing plaque and improving vascular health.
4. A patient with a blocked common femoral artery undergoes a thromboendarterectomy to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.
5. A healthcare provider performs a thromboendarterectomy on the common femoral artery as part of a larger vascular surgery procedure.
6. During a surgical intervention, a provider performs a thromboendarterectomy on the common femoral artery to address a thrombus and improve circulation.
7. A patient with atherosclerosis undergoes a thromboendarterectomy on their common femoral artery to remove plaque and restore normal blood flow.
8. A healthcare provider performs a thromboendarterectomy with a patch graft on the common femoral artery to address a chronic vascular condition.
9. During a surgical procedure, a provider performs a thromboendarterectomy on the common femoral artery to remove a thrombus and improve the patient’s overall vascular health.
10. A patient with a blocked common femoral artery undergoes a thromboendarterectomy to restore blood flow and prevent further complications.