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Deep Vein Arterialization

Date: Feb 24, 2021

Question:

How would you code a deep vein arterialization procedure? The procedure is described as a bypass with the proximal anastomosis with an in situ vein, and there is not a distal anastomosis. Vein valves are lysed. This is to cause the distal vein from the anastomosis to become arterialized (fistula?) as a last resort for limb salvage. Would it be appropriate to report the bypass code 35587 alone, or 35587-52 (for the single anastomosis) with add-on code 35686? Or can you give a clinical example of proper use of add-on code 35686?

Question ID : 14798
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