2025 CPT code 36479
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgical Procedures - Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, laser; each additional vein treated in a single extremity through separate access sites during the same session.
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established for each treated vein.This typically includes documentation of symptomatic venous insufficiency, such as pain, swelling, or skin changes, and failed conservative management.
The physician performs the procedure percutaneously, using ultrasound guidance to position the laser fiber within the vein.They are responsible for prepping and anesthetizing the patient, accessing the vein, deploying the laser fiber, activating the laser, and ensuring proper closure of the access sites.
In simple words: This procedure involves using laser heat to close off additional varicose veins in the same leg during the same procedure as the first vein treatment. This is done through small punctures in the skin, using ultrasound to guide a laser fiber.
This add-on code describes the laser ablation of subsequent incompetent veins in the same extremity during the same session as the initial vein ablation (36478), each through separate access sites.This includes all imaging guidance and monitoring.
Example 1: A patient presents with multiple varicose veins in their right leg.The physician performs endovenous laser ablation on the great saphenous vein (36478) and two additional tributary veins through separate access sites (36479, 36479)., A patient has previously undergone sclerotherapy for varicose veins, which was unsuccessful. The physician performs endovenous laser ablation on the first incompetent vein (36478) and then treats two additional branches during the same session (36479, 36479)., During an endovenous laser ablation procedure (36478) the physician identifies an additional perforator vein contributing to the venous insufficiency. They ablate this additional vein through a separate access site during the same session (36479).
Documentation should include the medical necessity for the procedure, the specific veins treated, the type of laser used, the number of access sites, pre- and post-procedure ultrasound findings, and any complications encountered.
** Ensure documentation clearly supports the medical necessity of treating each additional vein. Pay close attention to NCCI edits to avoid improper code combinations.
- Revenue Code: P1G - Major Procedure - Other
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Phlebology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office