How To Use CPT Code 35572

CPT 35572 describes the procedure for harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for vascular reconstruction. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 35572?

CPT 35572 can be used to describe the procedure in which a provider harvests a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for vascular reconstruction. This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the leg to access the vein, separates it from nearby structures, ties off and divides side branches, and harvests the vein segment for use in reconstructive surgery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35572 is: ‘Harvest of femoropopliteal vein, 1 segment, for vascular reconstruction procedure (eg, aortic, vena caval, coronary, peripheral artery) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other codes for the primary procedure being performed.

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes a long incision in the leg over the vein segment to be harvested.
2. Additional incisions may be made as necessary to gain access to the femoropopliteal vein.
3. The provider dissects the soft tissue as necessary to reach the vein.
4. The vein is separated from nearby structures.
5. Side branches of the vein are tied off and divided.
6. The length of the vein to be harvested is tied off at each end.
7. The section of the vein is divided at both ends.
8. The graft is prepared by flushing it with saline, disrupting valves if necessary, and testing for leaks.
9. The graft is sutured into place.
10. The harvest site is closed in layers.
11. If necessary, the vein may be stored in a mixture of saline and blood until ready for transplantation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35572 is performed as part of a vascular reconstruction procedure on areas such as the aorta, vena cava, coronary or peripheral arteries. It is used when a segment of the femoropopliteal vein is harvested for use in the reconstruction. This procedure is typically performed by a vascular surgeon or other qualified provider.

5. When to use CPT code 35572

CPT code 35572 should be used when a provider performs the specific procedure of harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for vascular reconstruction. It should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure being performed. This code should not be reported with modifier 50 for a bilateral procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35572, the provider must document the following information:

• The need for the vascular reconstruction procedure
• The specific segment of the femoropopliteal vein harvested
• The date and details of the procedure, including any additional incisions made
• The preparation and testing of the graft
• The suturing of the graft into place
• The closure of the harvest site
• Any additional details or complications related to the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35572, ensure that the procedure is performed as part of a vascular reconstruction procedure and that the specific segment of the femoropopliteal vein is harvested. This code should be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure being performed. It should not be reported with modifier 50 for a bilateral procedure. CPT indicates that it can be reported with coronary artery bypass graft codes 33510 to 33523 and 33533 to 33536.

8. Historical information

CPT 35572 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010 to its current description.

9. Examples

1. A vascular surgeon harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure.
2. A provider performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the aorta and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
3. A surgeon performing a peripheral artery bypass and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the bypass.
4. A provider performing a vena caval reconstruction and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
5. A vascular surgeon performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the coronary arteries and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
6. A provider performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the peripheral arteries and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
7. A surgeon performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the aorta and vena cava and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
8. A provider performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the coronary and peripheral arteries and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
9. A vascular surgeon performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the aorta and peripheral arteries and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.
10. A provider performing a vascular reconstruction procedure on the aorta, vena cava, and coronary arteries and harvesting a segment of the femoropopliteal vein for use in the reconstruction.