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Official Description

Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; each additional vein (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 37239 refers to the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent in a vein, which can be performed either through an open or percutaneous approach. This procedure includes the necessary radiological supervision and interpretation, as well as angioplasty within the same vessel if it is performed. The placement of venous stents is particularly common in the iliac vein, although they can be utilized in any vein. The procedure typically begins with the puncture of the femoral vein, followed by the insertion of an introducer sheath. A guidewire is then introduced and advanced to the site of the stenosis, allowing for the subsequent advancement of a catheter over the guidewire. Roadmapping venograms are obtained to visualize the anatomy and pathology. A balloon catheter is then used to dilate the lesion, after which the stent delivery catheter is advanced to the lesion site for stent deployment. Following the deployment, additional venograms are performed to assess the stent placement and the patency of the vein. This code is specifically used for each additional vein treated, following the initial vein treatment, which is coded separately. The procedure is crucial for restoring venous patency and improving blood flow in affected areas.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent, as described by CPT® Code 37239, is indicated for various conditions that result in venous obstruction or stenosis. These indications may include:

  • Venous Stenosis - A narrowing of the vein that can impede blood flow, often requiring intervention to restore normal circulation.
  • Venous Occlusion - Complete blockage of a vein, which may necessitate stenting to reopen the vessel and facilitate blood flow.
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency - A condition where veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart, potentially leading to complications that may require stenting.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Vein - The procedure begins with the puncture of the femoral vein, which is a common access point for venous interventions. An introducer sheath is then inserted to facilitate the introduction of other devices.
  • Step 2: Guidewire Insertion - A guidewire is introduced through the sheath and advanced to the site of the stenosis. This guidewire serves as a pathway for subsequent devices and is crucial for navigating the vascular system.
  • Step 3: Catheter Advancement - A catheter is advanced over the guidewire to reach the lesion site. This catheter allows for the delivery of therapeutic devices and is essential for the procedure.
  • Step 4: Roadmapping Venograms - Roadmapping venograms are obtained to visualize the anatomy and the extent of the stenosis. This imaging is critical for planning the intervention and ensuring accurate placement of the stent.
  • Step 5: Balloon Angioplasty - A balloon catheter is then advanced to the site of the lesion and inflated to dilate the stenosis. This step is important for preparing the vessel for stent placement.
  • Step 6: Stent Delivery - After the balloon is deflated and removed, the stent delivery catheter is advanced to the lesion site. The stent is carefully positioned and deployed to maintain vessel patency.
  • Step 7: Post-Deployment Assessment - Following stent deployment, a balloon catheter may be advanced and inflated again to ensure the stent is properly seated. Additional venograms are obtained to evaluate the stent placement and the patency of the vein.
  • Step 8: Closure - Finally, all catheters are removed, and pressure is applied to the vascular access site to prevent bleeding and ensure proper closure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent, patients may require monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or thrombosis at the access site. It is essential to assess the patient's recovery and ensure that the stent is functioning correctly. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to evaluate the patency of the stent and the treated vein. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and signs of complications to watch for during their recovery period.

Short Descr OPEN/PERQ PLACE STENT EA ADD
Medium Descr OPEN/PERQ PLACEMENT INTRAVASC STENT SAME EA ADDL
Long Descr Transcatheter placement of an intravascular stent(s), open or percutaneous, including radiological supervision and interpretation and including angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed; each additional vein (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 2

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

37238 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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
37252 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; initial noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37253 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; each additional noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2021-01-01 Note Guidelines changed.
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2017-01-01 Changed New guidelines added.
2014-01-01 Added Added
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