2025 CPT code 35221
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Cardiovascular System Feed
Repair of blood vessel, direct; intra-abdominal.
Modifiers may be applicable based on specific payer rules or circumstances of the procedure. Refer to current modifier guidelines for appropriate usage.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the underlying condition necessitating the vascular repair, and how the procedure addresses the patient's medical needs. Supporting documentation such as imaging studies, diagnostic tests, and clinical findings may be required.
The surgeon's responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, surgical repair of the blood vessel, post-operative care, and management of any complications.
In simple words: This procedure involves fixing a damaged blood vessel in the belly area. The surgeon opens the abdomen, finds the damaged vessel, stops any bleeding, fixes the vessel, and then closes the incision.
Surgical repair of an abnormal or damaged blood vessel within the abdomen, performed by direct intervention and not involving grafts. This includes the necessary dissection, bleeding control, and wound closure.
Example 1: A patient presents with an abdominal aortic aneurysm that requires surgical repair. The surgeon performs a laparotomy, exposes the affected portion of the aorta, and repairs the aneurysm using direct suture closure (code 35221)., A patient has a traumatic injury to the inferior vena cava following blunt abdominal trauma. The surgeon performs an exploratory laparotomy and repairs the injured vena cava using direct suture repair without a graft (code 35221)., During a surgical procedure for another reason, a small tear is found in the splenic artery. The surgeon elects to repair the tear directly with sutures (code 35221).
Operative report detailing the specific blood vessel repaired, the method of repair (direct suture closure), the location (intra-abdominal), and any associated findings or procedures. Pre- and post-operative diagnoses, and any complications encountered should be documented.
** Code 35221 describes direct repair of an intra-abdominal blood vessel without the use of a graft. For repairs using vein grafts or other grafts, use codes 35251 or 35281, respectively. Always consult current CPT and payer guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Global Days: Global Days: Refer to current CPT guidelines.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier -TC might apply based on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Refer to current modifier guidelines for appropriate usage.
- Fee Schedule: Refer to historical CMS fee schedules for past payment information. As of December 10, 2024, fee schedules are subject to change and should be verified with current data.
- Specialties: Vascular Surgery Cardiothoracic Surgery General Surgery Trauma Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center