2025 CPT code 37227
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Revascularization of unilateral femoral or popliteal artery using an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach; with transluminal stent placement(s), atherectomy, and angioplasty (when performed).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be used if additional procedures are performed during the same session. Consult the CPT manual and NCCI edits for specific modifier usage guidance.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of significant symptoms related to peripheral artery disease, such as claudication, rest pain, or critical limb ischemia. The severity of symptoms and the results of non-invasive and/or invasive diagnostic tests must support the need for revascularization.
The vascular surgeon is responsible for performing the revascularization procedure.This includes pre-operative planning, intraoperative execution of the selected approach (open, percutaneous, or endovascular), and post-operative care. Anesthesiologist may be involved in providing anesthesia.
In simple words: This code describes a surgery to restore blood flow in a blocked artery in one leg (femoral or popliteal artery). The surgeon might use a small incision, a catheter, or a larger cut to open the artery and place a stent (a small tube to keep the artery open).They may also remove plaque and widen the artery.
This CPT code encompasses the revascularization procedure of a single femoral or popliteal artery, employing either an endovascular, open, or percutaneous approach.The procedure includes transluminal stent placement(s), atherectomy to remove plaque, and angioplasty (if performed within the same vessel).The approach may involve a vertical incision (open), arterial puncture (percutaneous), or catheter-based techniques (endovascular).
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with critical limb ischemia due to a complete occlusion of his right popliteal artery. The surgeon performs an open surgical approach, removes the occlusion via atherectomy, and places a stent to restore blood flow., A 72-year-old female with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in her left femoral artery undergoes a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement guided by fluoroscopy. Atherectomy is also used during the procedure., An 80-year-old male with severe claudication due to a stenosis in his right femoral artery undergoes an endovascular approach. The stenosis is treated with balloon angioplasty and stent placement. Atherectomy is not necessary in this scenario.
* Comprehensive patient history and physical examination documenting symptoms and the need for revascularization.* Results of non-invasive vascular studies (e.g., ABI, Doppler ultrasound, angiography) to confirm the diagnosis and extent of arterial disease.* Operative report detailing the approach, techniques used (atherectomy, angioplasty, stent placement), and complications.* Pathology report (if applicable).* Postoperative imaging to confirm patency of the treated vessel.
** This code is for unilateral procedures.If bilateral procedures are performed, appropriate coding and documentation is needed.This information is based on the data provided; consult updated CPT guidelines for the most accurate and current information.
- Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
- RVU: Refer to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date relative value units (RVUs) and reimbursement rates.These values are subject to change and vary based on geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure varies depending on payer and local policies.Check with individual payers for specific guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The use of a TC modifier would depend on whether the service is considered a technical component or professional component.Clarification of component is needed from the facility or the provider before applying TC modifier.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data can be obtained from various sources including CMS and private payers.The data varies by year and payer.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center