2025 CPT code 36473
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Vascular Surgery - Endovenous Ablation Therapy Surgery Feed
Endovenous mechanochemical ablation of an incompetent vein in an extremity; first vein treated.
Modifiers may be applicable based on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Consult the most current CPT coding manual and payer guidelines for details.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptomatic varicose veins that have not responded to conservative management. The procedure is considered medically necessary when conservative treatment is ineffective or contraindicated.Documentation of symptoms, examination findings and prior treatment is essential.
The physician is responsible for pre-procedural planning, patient assessment, performing the percutaneous catheterization, deploying and operating the mechanochemical ablation device, ensuring proper imaging guidance and monitoring throughout the procedure, and post-procedural care (including wound closure and compression dressing application).
In simple words: This code describes a procedure to close off a varicose vein in your leg. A doctor inserts a tiny device through a small opening in your skin to destroy the inner lining of the vein, stopping the blood from flowing back up. This is done using a special device that combines mechanical and chemical methods, and only applies to the first vein treated during the session.
This CPT code encompasses endovenous ablation therapy of an incompetent vein in an extremity using a mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) device.The procedure includes percutaneous insertion of a catheter, deployment of the MOCA device to ablate the vein's inner lining, all necessary imaging guidance and monitoring (including ultrasound), and application of a compression dressing. This code is reported only for the initial vein treated in a session.Both mechanical disruption and chemical ablation must be performed for this code to be reported.
Example 1: A 55-year-old female presents with varicose veins in her right leg.The physician performs an endovenous mechanochemical ablation of the greater saphenous vein using code 36473. , A 60-year-old male presents with multiple varicose veins in his left leg. The physician performs mechanochemical ablation on the first affected vein using code 36473 and an additional vein using add-on code +36474., A 40-year-old female presents with symptoms of venous insufficiency in her right leg, and a large varicose vein is identified.The physician uses ultrasound to guide the insertion of a catheter and subsequently performs a mechanochemical ablation of the affected vein, utilizing code 36473.
* Comprehensive patient history and physical examination documenting the presence of incompetent veins.* Pre-procedure imaging (e.g., ultrasound) to identify and map the affected vein(s).* Intraoperative documentation of the procedure, including details of catheter placement, device deployment, and confirmation of vein ablation.* Post-procedure imaging (e.g., ultrasound) to confirm vein closure.* Documentation of appropriate post-operative instructions and follow-up plan.
** Codes 36473 and 36474 should only be used when both mechanical disruption and chemical ablation are performed.The use of this code is restricted to the first vein treated.Additional veins treated during the same session and same extremity would necessitate the use of the add-on code 36474. The supplies and equipment are included in the code when performed in an office setting.
- Revenue Code: P1G (Major Procedure - Other)
- RVU: This information is not provided in the source data.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a local fee schedule for current values.
- Global Days: This information is not provided in the source data. Global surgical days would need to be determined based on payer-specific guidelines and local coverage determination.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location.Historical fee data requires consultation of specific payer fee schedules.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Phlebology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department