Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: Is there a code specific to placing a stent in the brachiocephalic or subclavian artery?

South Carolina Subscriber

Answer: To choose the appropriate codes for stent placement in the brachiocephalic artery or subclavian artery review the following definitions:

37205, Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s) (except coronary, carotid, vertebral, iliac, and lower extremity arteries), percutaneous; initial vessel

+37206, … each additional vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

75960, Transcatheter introduction of intravascular stent(s) (except coronary, carotid, vertebral, iliac, and lower extremity artery), percutaneous and/or open, radiological supervision and interpretation, each vessel.

Although the codes don’t specifically name the brachiocephalic or subclavian, those arteries are not among the exceptions listed. As there are no more specific codes for the stent service you describe, these codes are the most appropriate.

Also review the documentation to determine the appropriate catheterization code, such as 36215 (Selective catheter placement, arterial system; each first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, within a vascular family).