How To Use CPT Code 37217

CPT 37217 describes the procedure for transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach. 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 37217?

CPT 37217 can be used to describe the procedure of placing intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach. This code is specific to cases where the provider accesses the artery through an open incision over the cervical carotid artery and inserts the stent against the flow of blood using imaging guidance. The procedure may also involve angioplasty to remove plaque from the artery lining.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37217 is: ‘Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery by retrograde treatment, open ipsilateral cervical carotid artery exposure, including angioplasty, when performed, and radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and makes an incision over the cervical carotid artery to access the intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery.
2. Using imaging guidance, the provider inserts the stent(s) against the flow of blood to treat the lesion.
3. If necessary, the provider performs angioplasty to remove plaque from the artery lining.
4. The provider removes the wires and catheters and performs standard closure of the access site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37217 is performed on patients who require transcatheter stent placement in the intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery. The procedure is done using a retrograde treatment approach through an open ipsilateral cervical carotid artery exposure. It may involve angioplasty and requires radiological supervision and interpretation. It should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes for ipsilateral services.

5. When to use CPT code 37217

CPT code 37217 should be used when the provider performs the specific procedure of transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery or innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach. It should not be used for other types of stent placements or approaches.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37217, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for transcatheter stent placement
• Details of the procedure, including the specific arteries involved and the approach used
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed, such as angioplasty
• Radiological supervision and interpretation
• Standard closure of the access site

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37217, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It should not be reported with certain other codes for ipsilateral services. Radiological supervision and interpretation are included in this code and should not be reported separately. Additional tips for accurate billing may be provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 37217 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. It was also added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery using a retrograde treatment approach for a patient with a severe stenosis.
2. Using an open ipsilateral cervical carotid artery exposure, a provider places an intravascular stent in the innominate artery to treat a patient with a blockage.
3. During a procedure, a provider performs angioplasty and places intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery to address a patient’s occlusion.
4. A provider performs transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach for a patient with a significant narrowing.
5. Using radiological guidance, a provider places intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery to treat a patient with atherosclerosis.
6. A provider performs transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach for a patient with a blockage caused by a thrombus.
7. During a procedure, a provider performs angioplasty and places intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery to address a patient’s restenosis.
8. A provider places an intravascular stent in the innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach for a patient with a significant narrowing.
9. Using radiological guidance, a provider places intravascular stent(s) in the intrathoracic common carotid artery to treat a patient with atherosclerosis and recurrent symptoms.
10. A provider performs transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the innominate artery using a retrograde treatment approach for a patient with a blockage caused by atherosclerotic plaque.