How To Use CPT Code 37211

CPT 37211 describes the procedure of arterial infusion for thrombolysis, excluding coronary or intracranial arteries, using any method. 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 37211?

CPT 37211 can be used to describe the procedure of arterial infusion for thrombolysis, excluding coronary or intracranial arteries, using any method. This code is used when a provider inserts a catheter into an artery to infuse a thrombolytic medication in the area where a clot is present. The procedure also includes radiological supervision and interpretation by the provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37211 is: ‘Transcatheter therapy, arterial infusion for thrombolysis other than coronary or intracranial, any method, including radiological supervision and interpretation, initial treatment day.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and cleans the site over the affected blood vessel.
2. A needle puncture is performed on the affected vessel.
3. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a catheter with an infusion tip is advanced into the vessel with the help of a guidewire.
4. A thrombolytic drug is infused at the site of the clot to dissolve it.
5. If necessary, the provider may remove the catheter and close the incision site.
6. The procedure includes radiological supervision and interpretation by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37211 is used for arterial infusion for thrombolysis in vessels other than coronary or intracranial arteries. The procedure is performed to dissolve a clot using a thrombolytic medication. The provider must also perform radiological supervision and interpretation during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 37211

CPT code 37211 should be used when a provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis, excluding coronary or intracranial arteries, using any method. This code is appropriate for the initial treatment day of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37211, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for arterial infusion for thrombolysis
• Details of the procedure, including the specific vessels treated and the method used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Thrombolytic medication used
• Radiological supervision and interpretation performed by the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37211, ensure that the procedure is performed on arterial vessels other than coronary or intracranial arteries. The code includes radiological supervision and interpretation by the provider. It is important to follow Medicare guidelines if multiple providers are involved in the radiology service. Modifier 26 should be appended to report only the professional component of the service.

8. Historical information

CPT 37211 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There was a code change on January 1, 2016, which updated the description of the procedure.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s leg to dissolve a clot.
2. Using a catheter, a provider infuses a thrombolytic medication in an artery of a patient’s arm to treat a clot.
3. A provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s renal artery to dissolve a clot.
4. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s mesenteric artery to treat a clot.
5. A provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s iliac artery to dissolve a clot.
6. Using a catheter, a provider infuses a thrombolytic medication in an artery of a patient’s foot to treat a clot.
7. A provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s subclavian artery to dissolve a clot.
8. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s femoral artery to treat a clot.
9. A provider performs arterial infusion for thrombolysis in a patient’s brachial artery to dissolve a clot.
10. Using a catheter, a provider infuses a thrombolytic medication in an artery of a patient’s popliteal region to treat a clot.