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Official Description

Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion, coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft, any combination of intracoronary stent, atherectomy and angioplasty; single vessel

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of a chronic total occlusion involves a minimally invasive procedure aimed at restoring blood flow in a coronary artery, a branch of a coronary artery, or a coronary artery bypass graft that has been completely blocked for an extended period. A chronic total occlusion is characterized by a blockage greater than 99% that has persisted for more than three months. This procedure utilizes various techniques, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and the placement of stents, to achieve revascularization. The approach typically begins with the preparation of the skin over the access artery, which is often one of the femoral arteries. A needle is used to puncture the artery, and a sheath is inserted to facilitate access. Under radiological guidance, a guidewire is navigated through the access site into the occluded artery or graft. If angioplasty is indicated, a balloon catheter is advanced to the blockage site, where it is inflated to compress plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the artery. Alternatively, atherectomy may be performed, which involves using a specialized catheter to shave away plaque from the artery. If necessary, an intravascular stent is deployed to maintain the artery's patency. Following the procedure, completion angiography is conducted to confirm the success of the revascularization, and appropriate post-procedure care is implemented to ensure patient safety and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion is indicated for patients presenting with the following conditions:

  • Chronic Total Occlusion A complete blockage of a coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft that has persisted for more than three months, resulting in significant impairment of blood flow.
  • Angina Pectoris Symptoms of chest pain or discomfort that occur due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often exacerbated by physical activity or stress.
  • Myocardial Ischemia A condition where the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and oxygen, leading to potential heart damage or dysfunction.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful revascularization of the occluded artery:

  • Access Site Preparation The skin over the chosen access artery, typically the femoral artery, is cleaned and prepped to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Artery Puncture and Sheath Insertion A needle is used to puncture the access artery, and a sheath is placed to provide a pathway for the subsequent instruments. This sheath allows for the introduction of catheters and guidewires into the vascular system.
  • Guidewire Navigation Under radiological supervision, a guidewire is carefully inserted through the sheath and advanced into the occluded coronary artery or bypass graft. This guidewire serves as a pathway for other devices used in the procedure.
  • Angioplasty If angioplasty is indicated, a balloon catheter is advanced over the guidewire to the site of the occlusion. The balloon is then inflated, compressing the plaque against the arterial wall, which helps to widen the artery and restore blood flow.
  • Atherectomy Alternatively, an atherectomy may be performed. This involves using a specialized catheter equipped with a cutting piston that shaves plaque from the arterial wall. The shaved plaque is collected within the atherectomy device and removed when the catheter is withdrawn.
  • Stent Placement If necessary, an intravascular stent is deployed to maintain the artery's patency. The stent delivery catheter is advanced to the site of the occlusion, positioned accurately, and deployed to support the arterial wall.
  • Completion Angiography After the stent is placed, a balloon catheter may be advanced and inflated to ensure the stent is properly seated. Contrast dye is injected, and completion angiography is performed to verify that the artery is patent and blood flow is restored.
  • Catheter Removal and Site Care All catheters are removed from the access site. Pressure is applied to the vascular access site to prevent bleeding, and a pressure dressing is applied to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications, such as bleeding or hematoma at the access site. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be required to stay in the hospital for observation. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and medication management to support recovery and prevent future cardiovascular events.

Short Descr PRQ CARD REVASC CHRONIC 1VSL
Medium Descr PRQ TRLUML CORONRY CHRONIC OCCLUS REVASC ONE VSL
Long Descr Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion, coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft, any combination of intracoronary stent, atherectomy and angioplasty; single vessel
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 45 - Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

92921 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N ASC N1 Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92925 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N Percutaneous transluminal coronary atherectomy, with coronary angioplasty when performed; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92929 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N ASC N1 Percutaneous transcatheter placement of intracoronary stent(s), with coronary angioplasty when performed; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92934 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N Percutaneous transluminal coronary atherectomy, with intracoronary stent, with coronary angioplasty when performed; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92944 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion, coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft, any combination of intracoronary stent, atherectomy and angioplasty; each additional coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or bypass graft (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92972 Add On Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Percutaneous transluminal coronary lithotripsy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92973 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Percutaneous transluminal coronary thrombectomy mechanical (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92974 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Transcatheter placement of radiation delivery device for subsequent coronary intravascular brachytherapy (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
92978 Addon Code CPT Resequenced MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Endoluminal imaging of coronary vessel or graft using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention including imaging supervision, interpretation and report; initial vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93571 Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Intravascular Doppler velocity and/or pressure derived coronary flow reserve measurement (coronary vessel or graft) during coronary angiography including pharmacologically induced stress; initial vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
C9601 Add-on Code Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC N ASC N1 Percutaneous transcatheter placement of drug-eluting intracoronary stent(s), with coronary angioplasty when performed; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
C9603 Add-on Code Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC N Percutaneous transluminal coronary atherectomy, with drug-eluting intracoronary stent, with coronary angioplasty when performed; each additional branch of a major coronary artery (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
C9608 Add-on Code Medicare Coverage: Special Coverage Instructions APC N Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of chronic total occlusion, coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or coronary artery bypass graft, any combination of drug-eluting intracoronary stent, atherectomy and angioplasty; each additional coronary artery, coronary artery branch, or bypass graft (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
RC Right coronary artery
LD Left anterior descending coronary artery
LC Left circumflex coronary artery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.)
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).
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
LM Left main coronary artery
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
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
RI Ramus intermedius coronary artery
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2013-01-01 Added Added
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