How To Use CPT Code 37226

CPT 37226 describes the revascularization procedure for the femoral or popliteal artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. 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 37226?

CPT 37226 is used to describe the revascularization procedure for the femoral or popliteal artery. This procedure involves restoring the blood supply in a stenosed or narrowed artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. The provider may also perform transluminal stent placement and angioplasty within the same vessel during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37226 is: ‘Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, femoral, popliteal artery(s), unilateral; with transluminal stent placement(s), includes angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider accesses the stenosed or narrowed femoral or popliteal artery through an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach.
2. A specially designed catheter stent system is passed through a guidewire into the artery.
3. The provider places a stent at the site of occlusion and expands it against the narrow portion of the vessel wall to open and recanalize the artery.
4. An angioscope is used to confirm the position of the stent.
5. The catheter system is withdrawn, and bleeding is stopped by applying a compression bandage or suturing the incision site.
6. The patient’s vital signs and stability are monitored.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37226 is performed on patients with a stenosed or narrowed femoral or popliteal artery. The procedure is typically done by a provider using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. The provider may also perform transluminal stent placement and angioplasty within the same vessel during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 37226

CPT code 37226 should be used when a provider performs revascularization of the femoral or popliteal artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. This code includes transluminal stent placement and angioplasty within the same vessel if performed during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37226, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for revascularization
• Specific approach used (endovascular, open, or percutaneous)
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the placement of stents and any angioplasty performed
• Confirmation of stent position using an angioscope
• Method used to stop bleeding or close the incision site
• Monitoring of the patient’s vital signs and stability

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37226, ensure that the procedure is performed on the femoral or popliteal artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach. This code includes transluminal stent placement and angioplasty within the same vessel if performed during the procedure. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer for accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 37226 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs revascularization of the femoral artery using an endovascular approach, placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
2. Using an open approach, a provider restores blood supply in the popliteal artery by placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
3. Through a percutaneous approach, a provider performs revascularization of the femoral artery, placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
4. A patient undergoes revascularization of the popliteal artery using an endovascular approach, with the provider placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
5. Using an open approach, a provider restores blood supply in the femoral artery by placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
6. Through a percutaneous approach, a provider performs revascularization of the popliteal artery, placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
7. A provider performs revascularization of the femoral artery using an endovascular approach, placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
8. Using an open approach, a provider restores blood supply in the popliteal artery by placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
9. Through a percutaneous approach, a provider performs revascularization of the femoral artery, placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.
10. A patient undergoes revascularization of the popliteal artery using an endovascular approach, with the provider placing a stent and performing angioplasty within the same vessel.