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CPT®
75968

CPT® Code 75968
Deleted

Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 37246, 37247.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, each additional visceral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating stenosis, or narrowing, of visceral arteries, which can lead to significant health issues. This specific CPT® code, 75968, refers to the additional radiological supervision and interpretation required when performing angioplasty on each additional visceral artery beyond the primary procedure. Stenosis in the renal artery can result in renal vascular hypertension and renal ischemia, while narrowing in other visceral arteries that supply blood to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, and intestines may lead to symptoms collectively known as "abdominal angina." This condition is characterized by chronic postprandial pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can severely impact a patient's quality of life. The procedure involves accessing the femoral artery in the groin, inserting an arterial sheath, and using fluoroscopic guidance to navigate a guidewire to the affected artery. Following this, a catheter is advanced, and contrast medium is injected to visualize the stenosis. The balloon catheter is then positioned at the site of narrowing and inflated to dilate the artery, restoring proper blood flow. The use of code 75968 is essential for billing purposes, as it accounts for the additional supervision and interpretation required for each additional visceral artery treated during the angioplasty procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is indicated for patients experiencing stenosis in visceral arteries, which can lead to various clinical symptoms and complications. The following conditions warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Renal Artery Stenosis - This condition can cause renal vascular hypertension and renal ischemia, leading to significant renal dysfunction.
  • Visceral Artery Stenosis - Stenosis affecting arteries that supply blood to the liver, spleen, and intestines may result in "abdominal angina," characterized by chronic postprandial pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

2. Procedure

The procedure for transluminal balloon angioplasty involves several critical steps to ensure successful dilation of the stenosed artery:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Femoral Artery - The procedure begins with the puncture of the femoral artery in the right or left groin using a needle. This access point is crucial for introducing the necessary instruments into the vascular system.
  • Step 2: Inserting the Arterial Sheath - An arterial sheath is then inserted into the punctured artery. This sheath serves as a conduit for the guidewire and catheter, facilitating their advancement to the target artery.
  • Step 3: Navigating to the Affected Artery - A guidewire is threaded through the sheath and navigated to the renal or other visceral artery using fluoroscopic guidance, which provides real-time imaging to ensure accurate placement.
  • Step 4: Catheter Insertion - A catheter is advanced over the guidewire to the selected area of stenosis. Once the catheter is in place, the guidewire is removed, allowing for the next steps of the procedure.
  • Step 5: Injecting Contrast Medium - Radiopaque contrast medium is injected through the catheter, and x-rays are obtained to visualize the area of arterial stenosis. This step confirms the correct placement of the catheter and allows for assessment of the stenosis.
  • Step 6: Preparing for Balloon Angioplasty - A guidewire is again introduced through the catheter and advanced to the stenosed area. This prepares the site for the balloon catheter.
  • Step 7: Balloon Catheter Insertion - The balloon catheter is inserted over the guidewire and threaded to the site of stenosis. Correct placement is confirmed through the injection of contrast medium and fluoroscopy.
  • Step 8: Inflating the Balloon - The balloon is inflated with saline and dilute contrast medium, which allows for visualization of the dilation process. This inflation expands the artery, alleviating the stenosis.
  • Step 9: Completing the Procedure - Once satisfactory dilation is achieved, the balloon catheter and guidewire are withdrawn. Finally, the arterial catheter and sheath are removed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the transluminal balloon angioplasty, patients may require monitoring for any potential complications, such as bleeding or vascular injury at the access site. Recovery typically involves observation in a clinical setting to ensure stability. Patients may be advised on post-procedure care, including activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess the success of the angioplasty and monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. Documentation of the procedure, including the findings from the radiological supervision and interpretation, is essential for accurate coding and billing.
Short Descr REPAIR ARTERY BLOCKAGE EACH
Medium Descr TRLUML BALO ANGIOPLASTY EA VISCERAL ART RS&I
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, each additional visceral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation (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) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - 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
Type of Service (TOS) 6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1F - Standard imaging - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 191 - Arterio- or venogram (not heart and head)
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 37246, 37247.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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