2025 CPT code 35500

Harvest of upper extremity vein for bypass procedure.

This code should only be reported when the vein is harvested from the upper extremity. Harvest of veins from other locations requires different codes.Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate reimbursement.Refer to the CPT manual for complete guidelines.

Modifiers may be applicable based on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be used if multiple procedures are performed during the same operative session.Consult the CPT manual for further guidance on appropriate modifier use.

Medical necessity for code 35500 is established when the harvested vein is required as a graft for a separately reported bypass procedure. The documentation must clearly support the need for the bypass and the selection of the upper extremity vein as the graft source.

The surgeon's responsibilities include preparing the patient, making the incision, dissecting tissue to access the vein, ligating and dividing side branches, excising the vein segment, preparing the graft, closing the incision, and applying a dressing.

IMPORTANT For harvesting more than one vein segment, use codes 35682 or 35683. For endoscopic procedures, use code 33508. This code is an add-on code and requires a primary procedure code (33510-33536, 35556, 35566, 35570, 35571, 35583-35587) for reimbursement.

In simple words: The doctor removes a vein from your arm to use in another surgery, like a bypass operation on your leg or heart, all done during the same visit.

Harvesting of a single segment of an upper extremity vein for use as a graft in a separately reported lower extremity or coronary artery bypass procedure performed during the same encounter.The procedure includes incision, dissection to expose the vein, ligation and division of side branches, ligation of the harvested segment, excision of the vein segment, preparation of the graft (flushing with saline, leak testing, and repair of leaks), closure of the incision with sutures, and wound dressing.

Example 1: A patient undergoes a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure.The surgeon decides to harvest a vein from the patient's arm to use as a graft during the CABG. Code 35500 is reported in addition to the CABG code., A patient requires a femoropopliteal bypass. The surgeon elects to harvest a suitable vein from the patient's arm to create the bypass graft.Code 35500 is used in addition to the femoropopliteal bypass code., During a complex lower extremity revascularization, the surgeon determines that harvesting a segment of the patient's upper extremity vein would be beneficial. This vein harvest is reported with code 35500 in conjunction with the more extensive revascularization procedure codes.

Operative report detailing the vein harvest procedure, including the location of the harvest site, length of the vein segment harvested, preparation of the graft, and closure technique.Preoperative and postoperative notes should document the indication for the procedure and the patient's condition.

** Always refer to the most current CPT manual for the most up-to-date information regarding coding guidelines, reimbursement, and modifiers.

  • Revenue Code: P6C (MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: No Technical Component (TC) modifier applies to this code.
  • Specialties:Cardiovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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