CPT Coding Guidelines Review: Vascular Embolization and Occlusion

This is a series of blogs about the importance of being familiar with CPT coding guidelines. Often there is extensive guidance preceding a subsection or range of codes for particular procedures, but coders are very busy so sometimes they jump right into the codes without taking time to review these guidelines, even though following or not following their direction could significantly affect the accuracy and comprehensiveness of coding.

This series is designed to help you become familiar with guidelines for significant procedures that you might not be acquainted with but do impact coding. The presentations are short and meant to generate awareness of the guidelines that are available in CPT rather than the application of guidelines to specific coding scenarios.

This installment of the series explores the guidelines related to CPT coding for vascular embolization and occlusion.

CPT Guidelines Vascular Embolization and Occlusion

Please watch this video to learn about the guidelines that provide direction in assigning CPT codes for endovascular revascularization of the lower extremities.

Take Aways

• Embolization and occlusion may be performed in a range of vascular territories and may take place in arteries, veins or lymphatics
• Radiological procedures associated with completion of the procedure are included in embolization codes
• Selective catheterization and diagnostic angiography are separately reportable ·
• Embolization codes are differentiated by venous/arterial and purpose
  • 37241 – Embolization/occlusion, venous for other than hemorrhage or hemodialysis access
  • 37242 – Embolization/occlusion, arterial for other than hemorrhage/tumor
  • 37243 – Embolization for tissue ablation and organ infarction or ischemia
  • 37244 - Embolization for hemorrhage or vascular/lymphatic extravasation ·
• Embolization codes are assigned if stents are placed solely to provide a framework for embolization coils
• Embolization codes are reported per surgical field
  • Multiple embolization codes may be reported if more than one surgical field is treated.
  • If more than one embolization is performed in a surgical field report the code for the most immediate indication (hemorrhage vs. aneurysm)

To find instruction in coding for diagnostic angiography, explore the course Interventional Radiology CPT Coding Introduction at our premier education site, HIAlearn.com.

Test Your Knowledge

For detailed explanations of the quiz answers, please refer to the end of this blog post.

Additional Coding Education: Invest in You!

Be sure to watch for other installments of CPT Coding Guidelines Review and visit HIAlearn.com to explore other educational products designed to help coders be their best! Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified when the next video is live.

Quiz Answers and Rationale

Question 1: 37243 reports embolization for tissue ablation such as in the uterus to treat uterine fibroid.

Question 2: Insertion of a stent solely for latticework for the deployment of embolization coils is reported with the embolization code. Embolization of an arteriovenous malformation is reported with code 37242.

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The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.