How To Use CPT Code 35372

CPT 35372 describes a specific procedure known as thromboendarterectomy, which involves the removal of thrombus and plaques from the deep femoral artery. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 35372, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when to use this code.

1. What is CPT Code 35372?

CPT 35372 is a code that represents a surgical procedure called thromboendarterectomy. This procedure involves the removal of thrombus and plaques from the deep femoral artery, which is a large branch of the femoral artery located below the inguinal ligament. Thromboendarterectomy is performed to address conditions such as atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the abnormal thickening of artery walls due to fatty deposits.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35372 is: ‘Thromboendarterectomy, including patch graft, if performed; deep (profunda) femoral.’

3. Procedure

1. During the thromboendarterectomy procedure, the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The healthcare provider makes an incision in the skin of the groin to access the deep femoral artery.
3. If necessary, the provider may harvest a vein to create a graft. This involves making an incision over the vein, excising the graft, tying off the donor vein ends, and preparing the graft.
4. Vascular clamps are placed as needed for the femoral procedure, and the artery is opened.
5. The provider then performs an endarterectomy, which involves removing the portion of the artery where the thrombus or atherosclerosis has formed.
6. To maintain a normal inner diameter of the artery over the affected area, the provider removes the intima, or the inner lining, of the artery.
7. If necessary, a synthetic or homogenous patch graft may be placed.
8. The arterial opening is closed with sutures, and the clamps are removed to restore normal blood flow.
9. The provider then closes the skin incision in layers after ensuring hemostasis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Thromboendarterectomy procedures on the deep femoral artery are eligible for CPT code 35372. This code is used when the provider removes thrombus and plaques from the deep femoral artery. It is important to note that the procedure may also involve the use of a patch graft, which is an artificial material, autologous tissue, or preserved tissue from a donor used to cover a defect or replace removed tissue or a portion of a structure.

5. When to use CPT code 35372

CPT code 35372 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a thromboendarterectomy procedure on the deep femoral artery, including the potential use of a patch graft. This code accurately represents the specific procedure being performed and allows for proper documentation and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 35372, the healthcare provider must ensure that the following documentation is included:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the thromboendarterectomy procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the removal of thrombus and plaques from the deep femoral artery
• Documentation of any patch graft performed, if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end times of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 35372, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the official description of the code. The procedure should involve the removal of thrombus and plaques from the deep femoral artery, potentially including a patch graft. It is also crucial to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance companies or payers to ensure accurate reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 35372 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been several historical changes, including code updates and changes in Medicare coverage. It is important to stay updated on any changes or revisions to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A vascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and using a patch graft to repair the artery.
2. An interventional radiologist performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques without the need for a patch graft.
3. A cardiovascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and using a synthetic patch graft to reconstruct the artery.
4. A vascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and using an autologous vein graft as a patch.
5. An interventional radiologist performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and using a preserved tissue patch graft to repair the artery.
6. A cardiovascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and closing the arterial opening without the need for a patch graft.
7. A vascular surgeon performing a thromboendarterectomy on the deep femoral artery, removing thrombus and plaques, and using a synthetic patch graft to reconstruct the artery.