How To Use CPT Code 35697

CPT 35697 describes the reimplantation of a visceral artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 35697?

CPT 35697 can be used to describe the reimplantation of a visceral artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis. This code is used when a physician performs a procedure to improve blood flow within the arteries by connecting two arteries to each other. The reimplantation of the visceral artery is done to avoid the area of blockage and restore normal blood flow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35697 is: ‘Reimplantation, visceral artery to infrarenal aortic prosthesis, each artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ It is important to note that CPT code 35697 should not be reported in conjunction with code 33877.

3. Procedure

1. The physician begins the procedure by harvesting healthy veins or arteries from other areas of the body.
2. The harvested healthy tissue is then grafted into the artery to bypass the blocked portion, improving blood flow.
3. The visceral artery is exposed and reimplanted to the infrarenal artery, avoiding the area of blockage.
4. The physician may use vein tissue from distant sites or a synthetic graft.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35697 is used when a visceral artery is reimplanted during a procedure where another artery is being grafted. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to note that CPT code 35697 should not be reported with code 33877.

5. When to use CPT code 35697

CPT code 35697 should be used when a physician performs the reimplantation of a visceral artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary procedure code when applicable.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 35697, the physician must document the following information:

• The need for reimplantation of the visceral artery
• The specific arteries involved in the procedure
• The date and details of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or complications
• The physician’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 35697, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for reimplantation of a visceral artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis. It is important to report this code in addition to the primary procedure code. Do not report CPT code 35697 with code 33877.

8. Historical information

CPT code 35697 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. It has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A physician performs an open aortic aneurysm procedure and reimplants the inferior mesenteric artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis.
2. A surgeon performs a bypass procedure and reimplants the renal artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis.
3. A vascular specialist performs a reimplantation of the celiac artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex arterial reconstruction procedure.
4. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs a reimplantation of the superior mesenteric artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex aortic repair procedure.
5. An interventional radiologist performs a reimplantation of the hepatic artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a minimally invasive endovascular procedure.
6. A vascular surgeon performs a reimplantation of the splenic artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex arterial reconstruction procedure.
7. A cardiac surgeon performs a reimplantation of the iliac artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex aortic repair procedure.
8. An interventional radiologist performs a reimplantation of the mesenteric artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a minimally invasive endovascular procedure.
9. A vascular specialist performs a reimplantation of the renal artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex arterial reconstruction procedure.
10. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs a reimplantation of the celiac artery to an infrarenal aortic prosthesis during a complex aortic repair procedure.