Ask Dr. Z

Could you please provide additional guidance for correct coding of endarterectomies of lower extremities? We have reviewed the previous responses, but we are not able to articulate to our providers in a way they understand why we would code only 35371 instead of each individual artery. What constitutes significant length into the SFA or profunda or iliac? Consistently, we are asked to code each artery separately, and we need talking points or references to assist us with the conversation with our providers and support when we could code additional arteries due to a complex case. We could send documentation examples, but they would max out the 1075 character limit.