CPT code 35556 refers to a surgical procedure that involves creating a new path for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed artery in the leg, using a section of a vein from the patient’s body. CPT 35556 represents “Bypass graft, with vein; femoral-popliteal.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure, known as a femoral-popliteal bypass with a vein, is commonly performed when the main artery near the thigh and knee is blocked. The surgeon takes a healthy vein and uses it to create a new channel for the blood to travel, effectively bypassing the obstructed area. This procedure does not include procedures that use synthetic materials or bypasses in other parts of the body.
Common Names:
- Fem-Pop Bypass
- Leg Artery Bypass
- Vein Graft Surgery for Leg
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 26.75.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Leg artery bypass using vein graft
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Bypass surgery for leg artery with own vein
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients experiencing severe leg pain due to poor blood flow, which may be a result of a condition like peripheral artery disease (PAD). For example, someone who finds walking long distances painful or has persistent leg cramps might need this surgery to improve blood circulation.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I70.212: Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with intermittent claudication
- I73.9: Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified, which simply means there are circulation disorders that aren’t specifically pinpointed
- I70.25: Atherosclerosis of native arteries of extremities with rest pain, where arteries are severely blocked causing pain even without physical activity
Summary
In summary, code 35556 describes a procedure where a vein is used to reroute blood around a blocked artery in the leg. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 35556 include I70.212 (Pain when walking due to poor leg circulation) and I73.9 (General circulation issues in the limbs).
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.