Basics about CPT code for stent placement in AV fistula

Coding guidelines for AV Fistula procedure codes is little different in interventional radiology coding. I have faced many challenges while coding these AV fistula procedure codes. However, as I was coding charts I was learning how to get a correct code for procedure performed. Here, also we will learn the intervention procedure or CPT code for stent placement in AV fistula. The stent is placed to treat any stenosis or occlusion present in AV fistula. Most of the time, it is always preceded with angioplasty and if still not resolved the physician places a stent in AV fistula. Placement of stent in Nephroureteral region have different codes for non-vascular procedures. Let us checkout more in detail.

Need for using CPT code for stent placement in av fistula

As we know if there is any complication present in AV fistula, we have to treat it either with angioplasty, stent, thrombectomy etc. procedures. These are very costly procedures; hence, the medical coder should be very good with the AV fistula coding guidelines given in CPT codebook. The most common diagnosis code using for complication in AV fistula is 996.1 in ICD9.

996.1 – Mechanical complication of other vascular device, implant, and graft

ICD 10 code

T82.590A – Other mechanical complication of surgically created arteriovenous fistula, initial encounter

Now, as will start using ICD 10 codes from October 2015 we should learn ICD10 code as well. Here, you can easily see the differences between ICD9 and ICD10 codes.  Now, the above code will be common for all the complication occurring in AV fistula.

Cpt Code for Stent placement in AV fistula in detail

There are only few CPT codes used for Stent placement in AV fistula. The codes are divided depending whether the procedure is done on artery or vein. Hence, there is an initial code for both artery and vein and an add-on code for each additional artery or vein treated. Below are the CPT codes in detail for Stent placement in AV fistula.

37236: Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s) (except lower extremity, cervical carotid, extracranial vertebral or intrathoracic carotid, intracranial, or coronary), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including all angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; initial artery

        +37237: each additional artery

 37238: Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; initial vein

        +  37239: each additional vein

These CPT codes are specific only for AV fistula. If you have, stent placed in lower extremity, intracranial, extracranial region, coronary etc. they are specific CPT codes for each specific location. Do not use these CPT codes when there are already procedure codes for that anatomic location.