How To Use CPT Code 37197

CPT 37197 describes the percutaneous retrieval of an intravascular foreign body using a catheter, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance. 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 37197?

CPT 37197 can be used to describe the percutaneous retrieval of an intravascular foreign body using a catheter. This procedure involves the provider placing a catheter through the skin and using imaging guidance to guide the catheter to the site of the foreign body. The code includes radiological supervision and interpretation, which the provider may use to assist in the removal of the foreign body.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37197 is: ‘Transcatheter retrieval, percutaneous, of intravascular foreign body (eg, fractured venous or arterial catheter), includes radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy), when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Using a needle, the provider punctures the affected blood vessel through the skin.
3. A guidewire is inserted through the needle and advanced to the site of the foreign body.
4. The provider then advances the catheter over the guidewire, using imaging guidance to reach the site of the foreign body.
5. Once the catheter is in position, the provider uses a grasping instrument attached to the catheter to retrieve the foreign body.
6. After the foreign body is removed, the provider removes the catheter and applies pressure to stop any bleeding at the site of entry into the blood vessel.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37197 is used when a provider retrieves an intravascular foreign body, such as a fractured venous or arterial catheter, using a percutaneous approach. The procedure requires radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) when performed.

5. When to use CPT code 37197

CPT code 37197 should be used when a provider performs the percutaneous retrieval of an intravascular foreign body using a catheter. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description, including the need for radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as imaging guidance.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37197, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the foreign body being retrieved
• Details of the percutaneous retrieval procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Imaging guidance used (ultrasound or fluoroscopy)
• Radiological supervision and interpretation
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37197, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description. The provider should also consider any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities. It is important to note that CPT code 37197 should not be reported if the procedure involves the percutaneous retrieval of a vena cava filter (use CPT code 37193) or the transcatheter removal of a permanent leadless pacemaker (use CPT code 33275).

8. Historical information

CPT code 37197 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider retrieves a fractured arterial catheter from a patient’s blood vessel using a percutaneous approach, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance.
2. Using a catheter, a provider removes a broken venous catheter from a patient’s blood vessel, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and ultrasound guidance.
3. A provider retrieves a foreign body from an arterial catheter using a percutaneous approach, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and fluoroscopy guidance.
4. Using a catheter, a provider removes a fractured venous catheter from a patient’s blood vessel, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance.
5. A provider retrieves a foreign body from an arterial catheter using a percutaneous approach, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and ultrasound guidance.
6. Using a catheter, a provider removes a broken venous catheter from a patient’s blood vessel, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and fluoroscopy guidance.
7. A provider retrieves a foreign body from an arterial catheter using a percutaneous approach, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance.
8. Using a catheter, a provider removes a fractured venous catheter from a patient’s blood vessel, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and ultrasound guidance.
9. A provider retrieves a foreign body from an arterial catheter using a percutaneous approach, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and fluoroscopy guidance.
10. Using a catheter, a provider removes a broken venous catheter from a patient’s blood vessel, with radiological supervision and interpretation, and imaging guidance.