How To Use CPT Code 37187

CPT 37187 describes a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure for the treatment of an occlusion, or blockage, in a vein. 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 37187?

CPT 37187 is a code used to describe a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to treat an occlusion, or blockage, in a vein. The provider uses a combination of mechanical thrombectomy and pharmacological thrombolytic injection techniques to remove the clot from the blood vessel. Fluoroscopic guidance is also used during the procedure to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37187 is: ‘Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy, vein(s), including intraprocedural pharmacological thrombolytic injections and fluoroscopic guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate anesthesia and prepping the affected vein.
2. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the provider accesses the vein through a small incision at the groin or below the knee area.
3. A venography is performed by injecting contrast material into the vein to visualize the exact location of the clot.
4. A guidewire is then inserted to the site of occlusion, followed by the insertion of a catheter over the guidewire.
5. The catheter is equipped with a mechanical device, such as a small blade or high-speed water-jet, which the provider uses to break down the clot.
6. Pharmacological thrombolytic injections are administered to further dissolve the clot.
7. Once the clot is sufficiently broken down, all instruments are removed, and any bleeding is controlled by applying pressure at the site of entry.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37187 is used for patients who have an occlusion, or blockage, in a vein that requires treatment. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is trained in percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy techniques. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure. The provider must also use fluoroscopic guidance and administer pharmacological thrombolytic injections during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 37187

CPT code 37187 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure for the treatment of an occlusion, or blockage, in a vein. This code should not be used in conjunction with codes 76000 or 96375. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the official description of CPT 37187.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37187, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific veins treated and the techniques used
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Use of fluoroscopic guidance and pharmacological thrombolytic injections
• Any complications or additional interventions performed during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37187, ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the official description. Do not report CPT 37187 in conjunction with codes 76000 or 96375. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when reporting this procedure. Consider any additional tips or guidelines provided by coding authorities to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 37187 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure on a patient with an occlusion in the femoral vein.
2. A patient undergoes a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure for the treatment of a blockage in the popliteal vein.
3. A healthcare provider uses fluoroscopic guidance to perform a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure on a patient with an occlusion in the iliac vein.
4. A patient with a blockage in the subclavian vein undergoes a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure.
5. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy procedure on a patient with an occlusion in the jugular vein.
6. Provide four more examples of cases in which CPT code 37187 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original. Do not include ‘CPT 37187” or ‘CPT code 37187” in the text of an example.