2025 CPT code 35600

Open surgical harvest of a single segment of upper extremity artery for coronary artery bypass grafting.

This code is used only for the open approach for harvesting a single segment of artery from the upper extremity.Use 33509 for an endoscopic approach. For bilateral harvesting, use modifier 50.This code is reported separately from the CABG procedure codes.

Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure) and potentially others depending on the circumstances (e.g., 22 for unusual procedural service, 52 for reduced services) may be applicable. Consult the current CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.

The medical necessity for harvesting an upper extremity artery is established by the presence of significant coronary artery disease necessitating a CABG, where the patient's venous system is inadequate or unsuitable for grafting. The decision to use an arterial graft over a venous graft would be supported by clinical findings and the patient's overall condition.

The surgeon is responsible for prepping the patient, making the incision, dissecting the tissue, isolating and harvesting the artery, ensuring hemostasis, closing the incision, and preparing the harvested artery for the subsequent bypass procedure.

IMPORTANT For endoscopic approach, use 33509. For bilateral procedures, report 35600 with modifier 50.

In simple words: The doctor takes a piece of a healthy artery from the patient's arm to use for a heart bypass surgery.This involves a cut to access the artery, removing a section of it, and then closing the area.The artery piece will be used to create a new path for blood flow around a blockage in the heart.

This CPT code, 35600, describes the open surgical harvesting of one segment of an artery from the patient's upper extremity.The harvested artery is intended for use as a graft in a subsequent coronary artery bypass procedure. The procedure involves incision of the skin and soft tissue in the upper extremity to expose the selected artery, isolating the required segment, clamping and ligating the artery at both ends of the harvested section, excising the segment, removing clamps and instruments, hemostasis, and closure of the incision in layers. This code specifically refers to the open approach; an endoscopic approach would require a different code (33509).

Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient presents with significant coronary artery disease requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The surgeon determines that a radial artery graft from the patient's left arm is necessary. Code 35600 would be used to bill for the harvesting of this artery., A 72-year-old female patient undergoes a CABG procedure, and the surgical team decides to use the right radial artery as a graft.The harvesting of this artery is performed using an open surgical technique. Code 35600 is used to report the artery harvest., A 58-year-old male patient needs a CABG. During the procedure, the surgical team determines that the patient's radial artery from the left arm is suitable for grafting. The surgeon performs an open harvest of a single segment, and code 35600 is reported.If a second segment was harvested, a second unit of 35600 would be reported.

Preoperative assessment, including coronary angiography demonstrating the need for CABG.Operative report detailing the incision site, artery harvested (right or left radial artery), length of artery harvested, technique used (open), hemostasis, and closure.Postoperative notes documenting the patient's recovery and any complications.

** Accurate documentation is crucial for proper coding and reimbursement.Ensure complete and accurate operative notes specifying the technique used (open), the artery harvested (right or left radial artery), the number of segments harvested, and any complications encountered.

  • Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
  • RVU: This information is not available in the provided source.Consult the current CPT codebook and/or your local payer's fee schedule for RVU values.
  • Global Days : This information is not provided.Refer to the official CPT guidelines for global surgery information.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: The TC (Technical Component) modifier is not applicable to this code because it represents a distinct surgical procedure.
  • Fee Schedule : This information is not available in the provided sources.Historical fee schedule information varies by payer and location.Consult your payer's historical fee schedules for details.
  • Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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