2025 CPT code 37215
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Vascular Procedures Surgery Feed
Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s) in the cervical carotid artery, using an open or percutaneous approach, including angioplasty if performed, and radiological supervision and interpretation; with distal embolic protection.
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure), 59 (distinct procedural service), and 25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service) may be applicable under certain circumstances.Refer to CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of significant carotid artery stenosis causing symptoms (e.g., TIA, stroke) or asymptomatic stenosis exceeding a certain threshold.The physician must justify that carotid artery stenting is the most appropriate intervention in the given clinical circumstances compared to other potential treatments (such as carotid endarterectomy).
The physician is responsible for patient assessment, procedural planning, performing the procedure (including any necessary angioplasty), deploying the embolic protection device, and post-procedural care and monitoring.This includes selecting the appropriate approach (percutaneous or open), using imaging guidance, and confirming stent placement.
In simple words: This code covers placing a small mesh tube (stent) inside a narrowed artery in the neck to keep it open.The doctor might use a small cut or a needle to access the artery.If needed, they'll also remove plaque buildup.X-rays are used to guide the procedure.
This CPT code encompasses the transcatheter placement of one or more intravascular stents within the cervical carotid artery.The procedure may be performed percutaneously (via a catheter inserted through the skin) or through a small incision in the neck (open approach).Angioplasty, if performed, is included. The code also includes radiological supervision and interpretation, and the use of a distal embolic protection device.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with significant carotid stenosis. The physician performs a percutaneous transcatheter stent placement with distal embolic protection in the right cervical carotid artery. Angioplasty is also performed to address the stenosis., A 72-year-old female undergoes an open surgical approach for transcatheter stent placement in the left cervical carotid artery due to severe stenosis. Embolic protection is used, and angioplasty is not required., A 78-year-old male patient with a history of carotid artery disease requires transcatheter stent placement in both cervical carotid arteries.Modifier 50 would be appended to code 37215 to indicate a bilateral procedure.
* Pre-procedure imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT angiography) demonstrating carotid stenosis.* Detailed operative report outlining the approach (percutaneous or open), stent placement details, angioplasty (if performed), use of embolic protection devices, and confirmation of stent placement with post-procedure imaging.* Anesthesia records.* Patient history and physical examination findings.* Pathology reports (if tissue is obtained).
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines for the most accurate coding and reimbursement information.Specific coverage criteria may vary depending on the payer.
- Revenue Code: P1G (Major Procedure - Other)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.Refer to CMS fee schedule for current RVUs.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided text. Global period details would depend on the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is a complete procedure code.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text. Refer to historical CMS fee schedules for data.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center