2025 CPT code 37248
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Transluminal balloon angioplasty of a vein (excluding dialysis circuits), using an open or percutaneous approach, including imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation; initial vein.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 59 for distinct procedural service, 78 for unplanned return to the operating room). Consult the official CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptomatic venous obstruction that impairs blood flow and compromises venous return.Supporting evidence such as clinical presentation, imaging findings (e.g., ultrasound, venography showing stenosis or occlusion), and potential for complications (e.g., DVT, pulmonary embolism) justifies the procedure.
The physician's responsibilities include patient preparation, anesthesia administration (if applicable), venipuncture, guidewire placement, introducer insertion, catheter advancement, balloon inflation and deflation, angiography (with contrast dye if necessary), assessment of blood flow, and closure of the access site.
In simple words: This procedure uses a tiny balloon to open up a blocked vein.A doctor inserts a thin tube with a balloon on the end into the vein, inflates the balloon to widen the vein, and then removes the tube.All necessary imaging tests are included.
This CPT code, 37248, represents transluminal balloon angioplasty performed on a vein (excluding dialysis circuits).The procedure may be done via an open incision or a percutaneous approach. It includes all necessary imaging guidance and diagnostic imaging, as well as radiological supervision and interpretation (RS&I).The angioplasty is performed on the initial vein.Additional veins require the use of additional code +37249.The procedure involves using a balloon-tipped catheter to dilate the vein and improve blood circulation.
Example 1: A patient presents with symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg.After ultrasound confirmation of the thrombosis, the physician performs a transluminal balloon angioplasty to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism., A patient experiences recurrent swelling and pain in their arm due to venous insufficiency. Following venography, the physician identifies a significant stenosis requiring transluminal balloon angioplasty to improve venous return., A patient undergoes a surgical procedure where a major vein is inadvertently damaged. Post-operatively, the patient develops venous compromise. The surgeon then performs a transluminal balloon angioplasty to repair the injured vein.
Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging studies (ultrasound, venography), procedural notes documenting the technique, balloon inflation pressures, angiographic results, and post-procedure assessment of blood flow.Documentation of medical necessity for the procedure should be included.
** This code excludes angioplasty of the dialysis circuit and lower extremity arteries for occlusive disease.For these situations, use alternative codes as indicated in the CPT manual.
- Revenue Code: P2D (Major Procedure, Cardiovascular - Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA))
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text and requires consultation of current RVU databases.
- Global Days: This information is not explicitly provided and requires referencing the global surgical package guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code as it describes a complete procedure.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available in the provided text and requires consultation of historical fee schedules.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center