AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2011 Issue 4; ASK the EDITOR

Takedown of AV fistula and brachial artery repair

Patient with diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and dialysis dependent, has developed ischemic hand ulcers, pain, and other symptoms. Several months ago the patient had a right brachiocephalic arteriovenous (AV) fistula created. The patient presents to have repair of the brachial artery and takedown of the brachiocephalic AV fistula. The arterialized cephalic vein was dissected for length. Vascular clamps were applied to the brachial artery and proximally to the arterialized cephalic vein which was transected. The brachial artery was repaired with a portion of the arterialized cephalic vein and the venous limb of the fistula was oversewn. Would CPT code 37799, Unlisted procedure, vascular surgery, be reported for the takedown of the AV fistula and the brachial artery repair or are there more appropriate CPT codes? ...

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