How To Use CPT Code 35501

CPT 35501 describes the procedure for bypass grafting, specifically connecting the common carotid artery to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using a vein. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 35501?

CPT 35501 can be used to describe the surgical procedure of bypass grafting, where a vein is used to connect the common carotid artery to the internal carotid artery on the same side of the neck. This code is used when a provider performs this specific bypass grafting procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35501 is: ‘Bypass graft, with vein; common carotid-ipsilateral internal carotid.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision along the neck and dissecting or dividing muscle, soft tissue, and vessels as necessary.
2. They locate the common carotid artery and the bifurcation of the external and internal carotid arteries.
3. Nerves are freed and muscle may be divided if needed.
4. A graft is collected from another part of the body.
5. The provider applies clamps to the internal, external, and common carotid arteries.
6. An incision is made from the common carotid to the internal carotid, and the common carotid is transected.
7. One end of the graft is attached to the transected common carotid artery.
8. The internal carotid is transected, and the other end of the graft is attached to it.
9. The clamps are removed to restore normal blood flow, and the provider closes the incision in layers after ensuring hemostasis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35501 is performed on patients who have a blockage in a blood vessel that requires bypass grafting. The procedure specifically involves connecting the common carotid artery to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using a vein. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified provider with the necessary expertise and training.

5. When to use CPT code 35501

CPT code 35501 should be used when a provider performs the bypass grafting procedure, connecting the common carotid artery to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using a vein. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35501, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for bypass grafting
• Details of the procedure, including the specific vessels involved and the use of a vein graft
• Date of the procedure
• Incision details and any additional steps taken during the surgery
• Confirmation of successful restoration of blood flow and closure of the incision
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35501, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The provider should also follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is important to note that CPT code 35501 should not be reported with other codes unless specified by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 35501 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2007, where the description was updated to specify the connection between the common carotid artery and the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing bypass grafting, connecting the common carotid artery to the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using a vein.
2. A vascular specialist performing a bypass grafting procedure to restore blood flow in a patient with a blockage in the common carotid artery.
3. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing bypass grafting to bypass a blockage in the internal carotid artery using a vein graft.
4. An interventional radiologist performing a bypass grafting procedure to treat a patient with a blockage in the common carotid artery.
5. A vascular surgeon performing bypass grafting to restore blood flow in a patient with a blockage in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery.
6. A neurosurgeon performing bypass grafting to bypass a blockage in the common carotid artery using a vein graft.
7. A vascular specialist performing a bypass grafting procedure to treat a patient with a blockage in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery.
8. An interventional radiologist performing bypass grafting to restore blood flow in a patient with a blockage in the common carotid artery.
9. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing bypass grafting to bypass a blockage in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery using a vein graft.
10. A neurosurgeon performing bypass grafting to treat a patient with a blockage in the internal carotid artery.