How To Use CPT Code 35600

CPT 35600 describes the process of harvesting a segment of the upper extremity artery for use in a coronary artery bypass procedure. 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 35600?

CPT 35600 involves the removal of a portion of a healthy artery from the patient’s arm to be used as an alternative route around a blockage in a coronary artery during a bypass procedure. This code is specifically used for the open approach method of obtaining the artery segment.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35600 is: ‘Harvest of upper extremity artery, 1 segment, for coronary artery bypass procedure, open.’ This code is used when the provider uses an open approach to obtain a portion of a healthy artery from the patient’s arm for use in a coronary artery bypass procedure.

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 35600, the provider begins by making an incision in the skin of the upper extremity to expose the chosen artery in the patient’s arm.
2. Next, the provider carefully dissects the soft tissue to fully expose the artery.
3. The provider then clamps the artery at both ends of the segment that will be harvested.
4. Once the clamps are in place, the provider ties off the area to ensure no bleeding occurs during the harvest.
5. The provider then removes the necessary portion of the artery from the arm.
6. After the harvest is complete, the provider removes all clamps and instrumentation, checks for any bleeding, and closes the incisions in layers.
7. The harvested artery is then prepared for the coronary artery bypass procedure, which is a separate surgery that will be reported with a different CPT code.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35600 is performed when a patient requires a coronary artery bypass procedure and a segment of a healthy artery needs to be harvested from their upper extremity. This code is specifically used for the open approach method of obtaining the artery segment. It is important to note that if the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

5. When to use CPT code 35600

CPT code 35600 should be used when the provider performs an open approach to harvest a segment of the upper extremity artery for use in a coronary artery bypass procedure. 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 35600, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the coronary artery bypass procedure
• Details of the open approach used to harvest the artery segment
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35600, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to append modifier 50 if the procedure is performed bilaterally. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or requirements set forth by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 35600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2001. Since its addition, there have been several changes to the code description, including updates in 2008, 2010, and 2022. It is important to stay updated on any changes or revisions to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A cardiothoracic surgeon performing CPT 35600 to harvest a segment of the upper extremity artery for use in a coronary artery bypass procedure.
2. An anesthesiologist assisting in the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
3. A surgical assistant providing support during the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
4. A scrub nurse ensuring proper instrumentation and supplies are available during the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
5. A perfusionist monitoring the patient’s vital signs and oxygenation during the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
6. A circulating nurse documenting the details of the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
7. A medical coder assigning the appropriate CPT code, such as 35600, for the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
8. A billing specialist ensuring that the documentation supports the use of CPT code 35600 for the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
9. A healthcare administrator reviewing the coding and billing practices related to CPT code 35600 for the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery for a coronary artery bypass procedure.
10. A patient receiving a coronary artery bypass procedure that includes the open approach harvest of the upper extremity artery using CPT code 35600.