How To Use CPT Code 37213

CPT 37213 describes the procedure for transcatheter therapy involving arterial or venous infusion for thrombolysis, excluding coronary vessels. 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 37213?

CPT 37213 can be used to describe a specific procedure involving the infusion of thrombolytic medicine into an artery or vein to dissolve a blood clot. This code includes radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as any necessary follow-up procedures such as catheter contrast injection, position change, or replacement. It is important to note that this code is specifically for subsequent treatment days during the course of thrombolytic therapy for vessels other than the coronary arteries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37213 is: ‘Transcatheter therapy, arterial or venous infusion for thrombolysis other than coronary, any method, including radiological supervision and interpretation, continued treatment on subsequent day during course of thrombolytic therapy, including follow-up catheter contrast injection, position change, or exchange, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a catheter into an artery or vein to deliver thrombolytic medicine to the site of a blood clot.
2. The provider performs radiological supervision and interpretation to monitor the progress of the procedure and ensure the clot is being dissolved.
3. If necessary, the provider may administer contrast material through the catheter to visualize the blood vessels.
4. The provider may need to change the position of the catheter or replace it if complications arise.
5. This procedure may be performed on subsequent days during the course of thrombolytic therapy for vessels other than the coronary arteries.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37213 is used for patients who require thrombolytic therapy for vessels other than the coronary arteries. The procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who inserts a catheter and delivers thrombolytic medicine to dissolve a blood clot. The provider also performs radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as any necessary follow-up procedures. It is important to note that this code is specifically for subsequent treatment days during the course of thrombolytic therapy.

5. When to use CPT code 37213

CPT code 37213 should be used when a healthcare provider performs transcatheter therapy involving arterial or venous infusion for thrombolysis on subsequent treatment days during the course of thrombolytic therapy for vessels other than the coronary arteries. This code should not be used for the initial day of thrombolytic therapy or for the final day of therapy when the catheter is removed and the vessel is closed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37213, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the need for thrombolytic therapy
• Specific vessels treated and the location of the blood clot
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including catheter insertion, thrombolytic medicine infusion, and any follow-up procedures
• Radiological supervision and interpretation performed
• Any complications or changes in catheter position
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37213, ensure that the procedure is performed on subsequent treatment days during the course of thrombolytic therapy for vessels other than the coronary arteries. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as any additional procedures performed during the same session. It is also important to note that there may be instances where multiple providers are involved in the supervision and interpretation of the procedure, in which case appropriate modifiers should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 37213 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2013. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs transcatheter therapy involving arterial infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day for a patient with a blood clot in their leg.
2. A patient undergoes transcatheter therapy involving venous infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day to dissolve a blood clot in their arm.
3. A healthcare provider performs transcatheter therapy involving arterial infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day for a patient with a blood clot in their mesenteric artery.
4. A patient receives transcatheter therapy involving venous infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day to dissolve a blood clot in their jugular vein.
5. A healthcare provider performs transcatheter therapy involving arterial infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day for a patient with a blood clot in their renal artery.
6. A patient undergoes transcatheter therapy involving venous infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day to dissolve a blood clot in their hepatic vein.
7. A healthcare provider performs transcatheter therapy involving arterial infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day for a patient with a blood clot in their iliac artery.
8. A patient receives transcatheter therapy involving venous infusion for thrombolysis on a subsequent treatment day to dissolve a blood clot in their subclavian vein.