CPT's definition of a 'single vessel' for this territory is an exception to the rule. Getting yourself up to date on this year's revascularization CPT changes requires more than just swapping your old codes for new ones -- although that alone is enough to keep you busy. You also have to take a careful look at the guidelines that apply to the individual codes to be sure you're using the new codes correctly. Start here: This article will focus on the femoral/popliteal codes 37224-37227. "37220 to +37223 Create an All New Iliac Intervention Coding World" in Radiology Coding Alert, vol. 13, no. A, discussed the iliac codes. Look to a future issue to cover tibial/peroneal codes 37288-+37235. Master the Single Code Approach for Fem/Pop Coding The new femoral/popliteal service codes are below. Note that all of the codes include angioplasty in the same vessel when that service is performed: Remember: For example: Check Out the Change From Component Coding As explained in the last issue of Radiology Coding Alert, CPT guidelines state that -- in addition to the intervention performed -- the codes include: For example: In 2010, you reported a superficial femoral artery angioplasty via antegrade puncture using now deleted code 35474 (Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; femoral-popliteal), 36245 (Selective catheter placement, arterial system ...), and 75962 (2010 definition was Transluminal balloon angioplasty, peripheral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation), Gregory stated. In 2011, you should report only 37224 to cover all of the services. Don't forget: Apply This Territory Rule to Avoid Denials The new codes (37220-+37235) apply to different "territories." Each territory has its own specific set of guidelines. Codes 37224-37227 fall under the femoral/popliteal vascular territory. Key rule: As a result, you should report a single code even if the radiologist performed various interventions for various lesions in the popliteal artery and in the common, deep, and superficial femoral arteries in the same leg at the same session, as noted in the presentation prepared by Sean P. Roddy, MD, FACS, AMA CPT advisory committee member, and Gary R. Seabrook, MD, AMA/specialty society relative value scale update committee member, for the AMA's CPT and RBRVS 2011 Annual Symposium in Chicago. In these situations, you should use the code for the most complex service. For example: Don't forget: But watch out for payers' modifier preferences. Some may prefer you to use modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure), modifiers RT (Right side) and LT (Left side), or some combination of modifiers for procedures on both legs.
37224 -- Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, femoral/popliteal artery(s), unilateral; with transluminal angioplasty