CPT code 35500 refers to a medical procedure where a vein is removed from the arm to be used in surgery for hearts or legs. CPT 35500 represents “Harvest of upper extremity vein, 1 segment, for lower extremity or coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves taking a section of a vein from the arm. The vein is then used in another surgery, such as for the heart or leg, to help improve blood flow. This process is in addition to the main surgery that addresses the patient’s primary health issue.
Common Names:
- Arm Vein Harvest
- Upper Extremity Vein Harvest
- Vein Resection for Bypass
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 6.44.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Arm vein removal for heart or leg bypass
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Removal of arm vein for coronary or lower limb bypass surgery
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
Patients who might need this procedure usually have heart diseases or leg circulation problems. For instance, someone with blocked arteries in their heart may need extra veins to get blood flowing properly again. Similarly, people with peripheral artery disease affecting their legs might also require this procedure.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I25.10: This code refers to the condition of having a narrowed heart artery without chest pain.
- I70.201: This code describes a hardening of the arteries in the legs that may cause pain with walking.
- I73.9: This code is for various circulation problems in the legs and arms.
Summary
In summary, code 35500 describes the process of taking a vein from the arm to aid in circulatory surgery for the heart or legs. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 35500 include I25.10 (narrow heart artery without pain) and I70.201 (leg artery hardening that causes pain).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.