How To Use CPT Code 35903

CPT 35903 describes the excision of an infected graft in the extremity. 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 35903?

CPT 35903 can be used to describe the excision of an infected graft in the extremity. This code is used when a previously placed graft in the arm or leg has become infected and needs to be removed. The procedure involves excising the skin and deeper layers of tissue, dissecting vessels if necessary, removing the infected tissue, and repairing the site with sutures. A drainage tube may also be placed at the wound site for post-surgery drainage.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35903 is: ‘Excision of infected graft; extremity.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider accesses the previously placed extremity graft by excising the skin and deeper layers of tissue in the arm or leg.
2. If necessary, the provider dissects vessels and places clamps around the graft site.
3. The infected tissue is removed, and the site is repaired with layered sutures.
4. A drainage tube may be placed at the wound site for post-surgery drainage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35903 is performed when a previously placed graft in the extremity becomes infected. This can occur in cases where a bypass graft or arteriovenous fistula graft has become occluded with a blood clot and is infected. The procedure is typically performed on extremities and involves the excision of the infected graft.

5. When to use CPT code 35903

CPT code 35903 should be used when a provider performs the excision of an infected graft in the extremity. It is important to ensure that the graft is infected and requires removal before reporting this code. If the provider replaces the graft with another graft, it should be reported separately.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35903, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis indicating the need for excision of the infected graft
• Details of the procedure, including the specific graft site and any vessels dissected
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as placement of a drainage tube
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35903, ensure that the procedure involves the excision of an infected graft in the extremity. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. If the provider replaces the graft with another graft, it should be reported separately. Consider any additional tips or guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 35903 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1994. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs the excision of an infected bypass graft in the axillary-femoral region of a patient’s leg.
2. A vascular specialist excises an infected arteriovenous fistula graft in the popliteal-tibial area of a patient’s leg.
3. An interventional radiologist removes an infected bypass graft in the femoral-popliteal region of a patient’s leg.
4. A general surgeon performs the excision of an infected graft in the axillary-axillary region of a patient’s arm.
5. A vascular surgeon excises an infected bypass graft in the femoral-anterior tibial area of a patient’s leg.
6. A plastic surgeon removes an infected graft in the popliteal-peroneal artery region of a patient’s leg.
7. An orthopedic surgeon performs the excision of an infected graft in the femoral-posterior tibial area of a patient’s leg.
8. A vascular specialist excises an infected arteriovenous fistula graft in the axillary-bifemoral region of a patient’s leg.
9. A general surgeon removes an infected bypass graft in the femoral-peroneal artery region of a patient’s leg.
10. An interventional radiologist performs the excision of an infected graft in the popliteal-peroneal artery region of a patient’s leg.