How To Use CPT Code 37237

CPT 37237 describes the procedure of transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s) using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation, and all angioplasty within the same vessel. 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 37237?

CPT 37237 is used to describe the procedure of inserting a stent in an artery using a catheter, following stent insertion in a separate artery. This procedure can be performed through an open or percutaneous approach. The provider uses radiological guidance to place the stent inside the vessel lumen, increasing the diameter of the stenosed vessel and keeping it open. The access site is closed using pressure, an arterial closure device, or sutures.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37237 is: ‘Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s) (except lower extremity artery(s) for occlusive disease, cervical carotid, extracranial vertebral or intrathoracic carotid, intracranial, or coronary), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including all angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; each additional artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider first inserts a stent in an initial artery using a catheter.
2. After the stent placement in the initial artery, the provider advances the catheter to an additional artery that requires treatment.
3. The provider injects contrast material into the vessel to locate the exact area requiring a stent and determine the extent of the narrowing.
4. If necessary, the provider may perform an angioplasty to prepare the site for stent placement.
5. The provider then delivers the stent to the site of the occlusion, increasing the diameter of the stenosed vessel and keeping it open.
6. Radiological guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the stent inside the vessel lumen.
7. Once the provider determines that the vessel is sufficiently open, the catheter is withdrawn.
8. The access site is closed using pressure, an arterial closure device, or sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37237 is used for the placement of intravascular stents in arteries, excluding lower extremity artery(s) for occlusive disease, cervical carotid, extracranial vertebral or intrathoracic carotid, intracranial, or coronary arteries. The procedure can be performed using an open or percutaneous approach. It includes radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as all angioplasty performed within the same vessel. This code should be used for each additional artery treated, and it should be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code.

5. When to use CPT code 37237

CPT code 37237 should be used when the provider performs the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s) in an artery, excluding the specified arteries mentioned in the official description. It is important to note that this code should only be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code, and it should not be reported with certain other codes as specified in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37237, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure performed
• Specific arteries treated with the placement of intravascular stents
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Use of radiological supervision and interpretation
• Any angioplasty performed within the same vessel
• Method used to close the access site

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37237, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria specified in the official description. It is important to report this code in conjunction with the primary procedure code. Do not report radiological supervision and interpretation separately, and do not report angioplasty when performed by the provider. It is also important to follow the specific guidelines mentioned in the notes regarding the reporting of other codes in conjunction with CPT 37237.

8. Historical information

CPT 37237 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.

9. Examples

1. A cardiologist performs the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent in the left anterior descending coronary artery, followed by the placement of a stent in the circumflex coronary artery.
2. An interventional radiologist inserts a stent in the extracranial vertebral artery, and then proceeds to place a stent in the intrathoracic carotid artery.
3. A vascular surgeon performs the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent in the brachiocephalic trunk, and subsequently places a stent in the right common carotid artery.
4. An interventional cardiologist inserts a stent in the right coronary artery, and then proceeds to place a stent in the left circumflex coronary artery.