How To Use CPT Code 37239

CPT 37239 describes the placement of an intravascular stent(s) in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation. 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 37239?

CPT 37239 can be used to describe the placement of an intravascular stent(s) in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation. This code is used when the physician inserts a stent in a vein following stent insertion in a separate vein. The access may be either open or percutaneous, and radiological guidance is included.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37239 is: ‘Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; each additional vein (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The physician advances a catheter to an additional vein requiring treatment.
2. Contrast material is administered into the vessel to investigate the exact location and extent of the vascular abnormality.
3. Angioplasty may be performed to prepare the site.
4. The catheter-stent system is inserted into the lumen of the affected vessel, with the assistance of a guidewire.
5. The stent is delivered at the site of vascular occlusion to increase the diameter of the stenosed vessel.
6. Radiological guidance may be used to monitor the stent placement inside the vessel lumen.
7. The catheter is withdrawn when the appropriate level of recanalization of the occluded vessel is achieved through stent delivery.
8. The access site is closed using pressure, an arterial closure device, or suture.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 37239 services are those who require the placement of an intravascular stent(s) in a vein. The physician must perform the procedure using a catheter, and radiological supervision and interpretation must be included. The access may be either open or percutaneous.

5. When to use CPT code 37239

CPT code 37239 should be used when the physician is placing an intravascular stent(s) in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation. This code should be used for each additional vein treated during the same session as the primary procedure. It should not be reported in conjunction with other specific codes, as mentioned in the notes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37239, the physician must document the following information:

• Details of the primary procedure and the need for stent placement in an additional vein
• Specific veins treated and the reason for their treatment
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Use of contrast material and angioplasty, if performed
• Details of the stent insertion process, including the catheter-stent system used
• Radiological guidance and interpretation
• Method of access site closure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37239, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician using a catheter, and that radiological supervision and interpretation are included. Follow the guidelines provided in the notes regarding reporting with other specific codes. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 37239 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician placing an intravascular stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation, in a patient with venous occlusion.
2. A cardiologist advancing a catheter to an additional vein requiring treatment and performing angioplasty before inserting a stent to increase the diameter of the stenosed vessel.
3. An interventional radiologist inserting a stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological guidance, to treat a patient with venous thrombosis.
4. A vascular surgeon placing an intravascular stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation, to address venous stenosis.
5. An interventional radiologist performing a percutaneous stent placement in a vein, including radiological guidance, to treat a patient with venous insufficiency.
6. A vascular surgeon inserting a stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation, to address venous compression syndrome.
7. An interventional radiologist advancing a catheter to an additional vein requiring treatment and performing angioplasty before delivering a stent to increase the diameter of the stenosed vessel.
8. A cardiologist placing an intravascular stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological supervision and interpretation, in a patient with venous reflux.
9. An interventional radiologist inserting a stent in a vein using a catheter, including radiological guidance, to treat a patient with venous malformation.
10. A vascular surgeon performing a percutaneous stent placement in a vein, including radiological supervision and interpretation, to address venous obstruction.