How To Use CPT Code 37160

CPT 37160 describes the procedure for venous anastomosis, specifically the connection between the caval and mesenteric veins. 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 37160?

CPT 37160 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a connection is created between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava. This anastomosis is performed to treat portal hypertension and allows for direct delivery of drugs to the portal system.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37160 is: ‘Venous anastomosis, open; caval-mesenteric.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon makes an incision in the patient’s abdomen to access the surgical site.
2. Through careful dissection, the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava are located.
3. The surgeon clamps or ties off the veins to stop blood flow.
4. An incision is made along the length of both veins, and they are sutured together to create the anastomosis.
5. The clamps are removed, and the surgeon ensures there is no blood leakage and checks venous pressures.
6. The surgical site is closed by suturing the soft tissue layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37160 is performed on patients with portal hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the veins and branches of the portal venous system. The procedure requires the expertise of a surgeon and is typically performed in an open surgical setting. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the caval-mesenteric venous anastomosis.

5. When to use CPT code 37160

CPT code 37160 should be used when a surgeon performs an open venous anastomosis procedure to connect the caval and mesenteric veins. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed matches the description provided by the code. If a different type of venous anastomosis is performed, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37160, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of portal hypertension
• Description of the procedure performed, including the connection between the caval and mesenteric veins
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the surgeon

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37160, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description provided by the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the claim. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or modifiers that may be required by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 37160 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone changes, including a code change in 2003 and being added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a caval-mesenteric venous anastomosis to treat portal hypertension in a patient.
2. During an open surgical procedure, the surgeon creates a connection between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava to alleviate portal hypertension.
3. A patient with portal hypertension undergoes a venous anastomosis procedure to improve blood flow between the caval and mesenteric veins.
4. A surgeon performs an open surgical procedure to connect the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava in a patient with portal hypertension.
5. To treat portal hypertension, a surgeon performs a venous anastomosis procedure, specifically connecting the caval and mesenteric veins.
6. A patient with portal hypertension undergoes a surgical procedure in which the surgeon creates an anastomosis between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava.
7. A surgeon performs an open venous anastomosis procedure to connect the caval and mesenteric veins in a patient with portal hypertension.
8. To address portal hypertension, a surgeon performs a surgical procedure to create an anastomosis between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava.
9. A patient with portal hypertension undergoes a venous anastomosis procedure, in which the surgeon connects the caval and mesenteric veins.
10. A surgeon performs an open surgical procedure to alleviate portal hypertension by creating a connection between the superior mesenteric vein and the inferior vena cava.