How To Use CPT Code 37247

CPT 37247 describes the procedure of transluminal balloon angioplasty on additional arteries during the same operative session as the primary procedure. 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 37247?

CPT 37247 can be used to describe the treatment of one or more additional arteries during a transluminal balloon angioplasty procedure. This code is used when the provider performs the angioplasty on additional arteries within the same operative session as the primary procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37247 is: ‘Transluminal balloon angioplasty (except lower extremity artery(ies) for occlusive disease, intracranial, coronary, pulmonary, or dialysis circuit), open or percutaneous, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty within the same artery; each additional artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with CPT code 37246.

3. Procedure

1. After performing the primary transluminal balloon angioplasty procedure on one artery, the provider inserts a guiding catheter and a guide wire into the additional artery.
2. Using the guide wire, the provider advances a catheter with a balloon at its tip to the area of blockage in the additional artery.
3. The provider inflates the balloon, compressing the plaque against the vessel wall to open up the artery.
4. The balloon is then deflated, and the provider may repeat the procedure at other points along the additional artery if necessary.
5. Throughout the procedure, the provider uses imaging guidance, such as angiography, to assess the blood flow and ensure the success of the angioplasty.
6. Once the provider is satisfied with the results, the catheter is removed, and the procedure is completed according to the chosen approach (open or percutaneous).

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37247 is used when the provider performs transluminal balloon angioplasty on one or more additional arteries during the same operative session as the primary procedure. This code should not be reported for angioplasty procedures on lower extremity arteries for occlusive disease, intracranial arteries, coronary arteries, pulmonary arteries, or the dialysis circuit. It should also not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes for angioplasty procedures performed in the same artery during the same operative session.

5. When to use CPT code 37247

CPT code 37247 should be used when the provider performs transluminal balloon angioplasty on one or more additional arteries within the same operative session as the primary procedure. This code should not be used for angioplasty procedures on specific arteries mentioned in the qualifying circumstances section.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37247, the provider must document the following information:

• Identification of the primary procedure performed
• Identification of the additional artery or arteries treated
• Date of the procedure
• Imaging guidance used during the procedure
• Details of the angioplasty procedure, including any complications or additional interventions
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37247, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances described earlier. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code (CPT 37246). It should not be reported with certain other codes for angioplasty procedures performed in the same artery during the same operative session. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 37247 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs transluminal balloon angioplasty on the left anterior descending artery as the primary procedure. During the same operative session, the provider also performs transluminal balloon angioplasty on the left circumflex artery. CPT code 37247 should be reported for the additional artery treated.
2. After performing transluminal balloon angioplasty on the right renal artery as the primary procedure, the provider proceeds to perform transluminal balloon angioplasty on the left renal artery during the same operative session. CPT code 37247 should be reported for the additional artery treated.
3. During a transluminal balloon angioplasty procedure on the right iliac artery, the provider identifies a blockage in the left iliac artery and performs angioplasty on that artery as well. CPT code 37247 should be reported for the additional artery treated.
4. Following the primary procedure of transluminal balloon angioplasty on the right subclavian artery, the provider discovers a blockage in the left subclavian artery and performs angioplasty on that artery during the same operative session. CPT code 37247 should be reported for the additional artery treated.
5. After performing transluminal balloon angioplasty on the right carotid artery as the primary procedure, the provider proceeds to perform transluminal balloon angioplasty on the left carotid artery during the same operative session. CPT code 37247 should be reported for the additional artery treated.