Basics of CPT code 75635 & 74175

A computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity is performed with contrast material including image postprocessing. Noncontrast images may also be obtained and are included when performed. CTA provides images of the blood vessels using a combination of computed tomography (CT) and angiography with contrast material. When angiography is performed using CT, multiple images are obtained and processed on a computer to create detailed, two-dimensional, cross-sectional views of the blood vessels. As we know CTA chest, head, neck, extremities, abdomen and pelvis are frequently coded in Radiology facility. These CPT codes are easy to code and the reports are easy to understand. Now, we are here to learn the procedure Code for CTA abdominal aorta plus the bilateral lower extremity (CPT code 75635).

Now, many of us know the cpt code (75635), but while coding we generally get confused whether to use this code or not. This may be happening because these exams are performed very rarely and the coders may confuse with other codes like CTA abdomen 74175 etc. So, let use check when we should report CPT code 75635.

75635–  Computed tomographic angiography, abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing

Documentation required for coding 75635

Now, as you can see with the code description, the CTA exam examines the region from aorta to the bilateral lower extremity. Here we also have to understand the word “Runoff”. Now, Runoff is the word given the flow of contrast, which runs from the aorta to the bilateral lower extremity. Here, one thing should always remember the contrast should inject at any single point in aorta and it flows to the lower extremities for taking images. You can also read my article of abdominal aortogram with runoff CPT codes used for interventional radiology procedures. Now, here the report will mention findings from aorta, abdomen, pelvis and both the lower extremities. So, these things will always be mention for CTA abdominal aorta CPT Code exam. CTA exam are always done with and without contrast, so always read the technique properly before coding the correct CPT code.

Indications for CTA may include the following:

• aortic disease and aneurysms of the abdomen, chest, and other blood vessels;

• cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations;

• atherosclerotic disease of the cervical carotids, extremity vessels, and coronary arteries;
• pulmonary embolism;

• renal artery stenosis, preoperative assessment of living potential kidney donors and variant anatomy in renal vessels (eg, accessory renal arteries);

• vascular dissection, intramural hematomas;

• traumatic vascular injury; and

• peripheral artery disease.

If a computed tomographic angiography of the abdomen (code 74175, Computed tomographic angiography, abdomen, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing) is performed in conjunction with an aortoiliofemoral runoff, then only code 75635 is reported, as code 74175 is an inclusive component of code 75635. Code 73706, Computed tomographic angiography, lower extremity, with contrast material(s), including noncontrast images, if performed, and image postprocessing, is a unilateral study, and if performed bilaterally, would have to be reported with the appropriate number of units/line items and modifier. If the lower extremity(s) are examined as part of an aortoiliofemoral runoff, only code 75635 is reported, as code 73706 is an inclusive component of code 75635. Coding this procedure as two units of 73706 and a single unit of 74175 is unbundling, when the correct code is 75635. Coding all three is duplicate reporting.

Other Related CTA CPT code in Radiology

70496 CTA, Head

70498 CTA, Neck

71275 CTA, Chest

72191 CTA, Pelvis

73206 CTA, Upper extremity

73706 CTA, Lower extremity

74175 CTA, Abdomen

75635 CTA, Abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff

Do and don’t with CPT code 75635

Do not code CTA chest, abdominal, pelvis and lower extremity cpt code separately when the documentation full support for CTA abdominal aorta with bilateral lower extremity cpt code.

Do not code any other CPT code like 75625 or 75630, which is for coding runoff in interventional radiology procedures.

Do no code any 3D CPT code 76376 or 76377 along with 75635, since the CTA, exam code include all the 3D codes.

CPT code 75635 describes computed tomographic angiography of the abdominal aorta and bilateral iliofemoral lower extremity runoff. This code includes the services described by CPT codes 73706 (computed tomographic angiography, lower extremity…) and 74175 (computed tomographic angiography, abdomen…). CPT codes 73706 and 74175 should not be reported with CPT code 75635 for the same patient encounter. CPT code 73706 plus CPT code 74175 should not be reported in lieu of CPT code 75635

Hope, you would learn something new for coding CTA abdominal Aorta plus the bilateral lower extremity cpt code 75635. Do share the article if you liked it.