How To Use CPT Code 37735

CPT 37735 describes a procedure that involves the ligation and division of long or short saphenous veins, along with the complete stripping of the veins and the excision of ulcers. This article will provide a detailed analysis of CPT code 37735, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 37735?

CPT 37735 is a code that represents a specific surgical procedure. It involves the ligation and division of long or short saphenous veins, along with the complete stripping of the veins and the excision of ulcers. This procedure is commonly performed to treat varicose veins in the legs. It is important to note that CPT 37735 should not be reported in conjunction with other ligation codes such as 37700, 37718, 37722, or 37780. Additionally, when performing the procedure bilaterally, modifier 50 should be used.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 37735 is: ‘Ligation and division and complete stripping of long or short saphenous veins with radical excision of ulcer and skin graft and/or interruption of communicating veins of lower leg, with excision of deep fascia.’ It is important to note that CPT 37735 should not be reported in conjunction with other ligation codes such as 37700, 37718, 37722, or 37780.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the healthcare provider makes incisions to access the long or short saphenous vein.
2. The provider then ligates and divides the vein, and removes it with the help of a stripping device.
3. If there is an ulcer present, the provider excises it along with nearby soft tissues.
4. The provider may also choose to interrupt communicating veins of the lower leg.
5. If necessary, the provider may excise the deep fascia where the superficial and deep veins connect.
6. Finally, the provider may perform a skin graft to repair any defects caused by the excision of the ulcer.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 37735 is typically performed on patients with varicose veins in the legs. The procedure involves the ligation and division of long or short saphenous veins, along with the complete stripping of the veins and the excision of ulcers. It may also include the interruption of communicating veins of the lower leg and the excision of deep fascia. It is important to note that CPT 37735 should not be reported in conjunction with other ligation codes such as 37700, 37718, 37722, or 37780.

5. When to use CPT code 37735

CPT code 37735 should be used when performing the specific procedure described above. It is appropriate for cases involving the ligation and division of long or short saphenous veins, complete stripping of the veins, excision of ulcers, interruption of communicating veins of the lower leg, and excision of deep fascia. It is important to note that CPT 37735 should not be reported in conjunction with other ligation codes such as 37700, 37718, 37722, or 37780.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 37735, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the ligation and division of veins, complete stripping of veins, excision of ulcers, interruption of communicating veins, and excision of deep fascia
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the use of a skin graft or the presence of complications
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 37735, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. CPT 37735 should not be reported in conjunction with other ligation codes such as 37700, 37718, 37722, or 37780. Modifier 50 should be used when performing the procedure bilaterally. It is also important to review the latest edits to determine if any bundling rules apply and if a modifier, such as 59, should be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.

8. Historical information

CPT code 37735 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with severe varicose veins undergoes CPT 37735, which involves the ligation and division of the long saphenous vein, complete stripping of the vein, excision of an ulcer, and interruption of communicating veins of the lower leg.