Ask Dr. Z

Hi Dr. Zielske and Dr. Dunn, I need some assistance with coding a femoral vein venotomy and foreign body removal. This is a condensed portion of the procedure: During an IVUS procedure of the IVC and lower extremity veins stenosis was found in the left common iliac vein. Angioplasty was done on this vein. Balloon ruptured and upon removal the balloon remained in the left common femoral vein and became detached from the catheter. An incision was made over the left groin and a left femoral vein exploration was carried out. The femoral vein was identified and a venotomy performed. The ruptured balloon was then extracted under direct vision from the left femoral vein and the venotomy was repaired with 4-0 Prolene until hemostasis was achieved. I have searched my CPT book and have come up with 35226 for repair of a blood vessel or 37799 for an unlisted vascular procedure. Is there a better way to code this? As always, thanks for your assistance. Pam Johnson