2025 CPT code 37213
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System - Vascular Procedures Surgery Feed
Continued transcatheter thrombolytic infusion for arterial or venous thrombolysis (excluding coronary arteries), including radiological supervision and interpretation, performed on subsequent days of therapy.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances. For example, modifier 59 might be used to indicate a distinct procedural service in addition to other percutaneous interventions performed in the same session. Modifier 25 may be used when significant, separately identifiable E/M services are performed by the same physician on the same day.
Medical necessity for continued thrombolytic therapy is established based on the persistence of the thrombus and the patient's clinical response to treatment. Documentation should support continued treatment is more beneficial than other treatments, and justify the need for subsequent infusion days.
The physician is responsible for inserting and managing the catheter, administering the thrombolytic agent, performing any necessary angiographic studies (arteriogram or venogram) using contrast, and interpreting the radiological images to guide the procedure and assess its effectiveness.The physician also manages any complications, such as catheter repositioning or replacement.Radiological supervision and interpretation are included.
In simple words: This code covers the doctor's work on a second or later day of treatment to dissolve a blood clot using medicine delivered through a thin tube (catheter).It includes taking x-rays and adjusting the catheter as needed.
This CPT code, 37213, reports continued transcatheter thrombolytic infusion for arterial or venous thrombolysis (excluding coronary arteries).The procedure encompasses any method of infusion, including radiological supervision and interpretation. It applies specifically to subsequent treatment days within a course of thrombolytic therapy, and includes follow-up catheter contrast injection, position changes, or catheter exchanges, if performed.This code is used for each day of treatment except the initial and final days of a multi-day procedure.
Example 1: A patient presents with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremity. After initial treatment with code 37212, continued thrombolysis is required for two additional days, each billed with 37213.The physician adjusts the catheter position on day two and administers contrast for venography., A patient with a significant arterial clot in the femoral artery receives initial treatment with code 37211.The treatment is continued for three days, with days two and three reported using code 37213.The physician monitors the patient's response using serial arteriograms., A patient with a pulmonary embolism receives thrombolytic therapy.The treatment spans multiple days, requiring the use of code 37213 for the intermediate days, after the initial infusion (37212) and before the final infusion (37214). Regular angiograms and catheter adjustments are performed.
Detailed clinical documentation supporting the medical necessity of the continued thrombolytic therapy, including the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging studies (before, during, and after the procedure showing the thrombus), and the results of the thrombolytic treatment.Notes regarding catheter placement, adjustments, contrast use, and any complications encountered must be documented.
** The use of this code necessitates careful documentation to support medical necessity and justify the continued thrombolytic therapy beyond the initial day. The duration of the infusion should be documented, and the reason for any delays, changes in therapy or discontinuation should be clearly noted in the medical record.Accurate documentation ensures correct coding and appropriate reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
- RVU: Work RVUs: 4.75, Total RVUs: 6.72 (Based on 2024 data; this can vary by payer and location)
- Global Days: This code is used for each day of treatment *except* the initial and final days of a multi-day thrombolytic therapy course.The global period is determined by the overall treatment plan.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier does not typically apply to this code because the procedure involves physician-directed professional services as well.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer, location, and year.Consult payer-specific fee schedules for the relevant periods.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Cardiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center