How To Use CPT Code 37195

CPT 37195 describes the procedure of thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion. 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 37195?

CPT 37195 can be used to describe the procedure of thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion. This code is used when a provider administers a thrombolytic drug through an intravenous catheter to dissolve a clot in a cerebral (brain) blood vessel. The purpose of this procedure is to resolve a blockage in the brain and prevent a possible stroke.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37195 is: ‘Thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure.
2. An existing catheter is used to administer a thrombolytic agent into a vein, reaching the site of vessel occlusion in the brain.
3. If necessary, an additional dose of the thrombolytic agent may be administered to ensure complete recanalization of the occluded vessel.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37195 is performed when a patient has a cerebrovascular occlusion, which refers to a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain. The purpose of the procedure is to treat this occlusion and prevent a stroke. The provider administers a thrombolytic agent via an intravenous infusion to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow in the affected vessel.

5. When to use CPT code 37195

CPT code 37195 should be used when a provider performs the procedure of cerebral thrombolysis by intravenous infusion. It is appropriate to bill this code when the provider administers a thrombolytic drug through an existing catheter to dissolve a clot in a cerebral blood vessel. This code should not be used for other types of thrombolysis procedures or for procedures performed on vessels in other parts of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37195, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of a cerebrovascular occlusion
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an existing catheter and the administration of a thrombolytic agent
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional doses of the thrombolytic agent administered

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37195, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically cerebral thrombolysis by intravenous infusion. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and the patient’s diagnosis. CPT code 37195 should not be reported with other codes unless there are additional procedures or services performed that are distinct from the thrombolysis procedure. It is crucial to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and ensure accurate coding and documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT 37195 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion to dissolve a clot in a patient’s brain blood vessel, preventing a potential stroke.
2. Using an existing catheter, a provider administers a thrombolytic agent to a patient with a cerebrovascular occlusion, aiming to restore blood flow in the affected vessel.
3. A patient with a blockage in their cerebral blood vessel undergoes cerebral thrombolysis by intravenous infusion to resolve the occlusion and prevent a stroke.
4. A provider performs the procedure of thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion to dissolve a clot in a patient’s brain blood vessel, ensuring proper blood flow and preventing complications.
5. Using an intravenous infusion, a provider administers a thrombolytic drug to a patient with a cerebrovascular occlusion, aiming to restore blood flow and prevent a stroke.
6. A patient with a blockage in their cerebral blood vessel undergoes cerebral thrombolysis by intravenous infusion to resolve the occlusion and minimize the risk of a stroke.
7. A provider performs the procedure of thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion to dissolve a clot in a patient’s brain blood vessel, promoting optimal blood flow and preventing potential complications.
8. Using an existing catheter, a provider administers a thrombolytic agent to a patient with a cerebrovascular occlusion, aiming to restore blood flow in the affected vessel and prevent a stroke.
9. A patient with a blockage in their cerebral blood vessel undergoes cerebral thrombolysis by intravenous infusion to resolve the occlusion and minimize the risk of a stroke.
10. A provider performs the procedure of thrombolysis, cerebral, by intravenous infusion to dissolve a clot in a patient’s brain blood vessel, ensuring proper blood flow and preventing complications.