Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot
CPT®
35474

CPT® Code 35474
Deleted

Code deleted, see 37220, 37221, 37222, 37223, 37224, 37225, 37226, 37227.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; femoral-popliteal

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 35474 refers to a specific medical procedure known as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, which is performed on the femoral-popliteal artery. This procedure is a minimally invasive technique used to treat blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the legs. During the angioplasty, a physician accesses the femoral artery, typically located in the groin area, to reach the affected artery. The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter with a balloon at its tip into the artery. Once positioned at the site of the blockage, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the artery and restoring blood flow. This technique may require multiple inflations of the balloon to achieve optimal results. Following the angioplasty, a completion angiography is performed to confirm that the artery is open and blood flow is restored. This procedure is crucial for patients experiencing symptoms related to peripheral artery disease, as it can significantly improve circulation and alleviate pain associated with reduced blood flow to the lower extremities.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35474 is indicated for patients experiencing specific conditions related to arterial blockages. These indications include:

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - A condition characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Intermittent Claudication - Pain or cramping in the legs or buttocks during physical activities, such as walking, due to inadequate blood flow.
  • Critical Limb Ischemia - A severe obstruction of blood flow to the extremities, which can lead to pain at rest, ulcers, or gangrene.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 35474 involves several critical steps to ensure successful angioplasty of the femoral-popliteal artery. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Access The physician begins by preparing the skin over the access artery, typically one of the femoral arteries. This preparation includes cleaning the area to reduce the risk of infection. A needle is then used to puncture the artery, and a sheath is placed to facilitate the introduction of other instruments.
  • Step 2: Guidewire Insertion After establishing access, a guidewire is inserted through the sheath and advanced into the occluded femoral-popliteal artery. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the subsequent catheter.
  • Step 3: Catheter Advancement A catheter with a balloon tip is then advanced over the guidewire to the site of the blockage. The positioning of the catheter is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Step 4: Balloon Inflation Once the catheter is in place, the balloon at the tip is inflated. This inflation compresses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the artery and restoring blood flow. The balloon may be inflated multiple times to achieve the desired level of arterial patency.
  • Step 5: Guidewire Exchange After the balloon inflation, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, which remains in place to maintain access to the artery.
  • Step 6: Completion Angiography An angiography catheter is then advanced over the guidewire, and the guidewire is withdrawn. Contrast material is injected through the angiography catheter, and a completion angiography is performed to visualize the artery and confirm that it is patent.
  • Step 7: Post-Procedure Care Following the completion angiography, the angiography catheter is withdrawn. The physician applies pressure to the arterial puncture site to control any bleeding and then places a pressure dressing to secure the site and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any complications, such as bleeding or hematoma formation at the puncture site. The application of pressure and a dressing helps to minimize these risks. Patients may experience some discomfort or bruising in the area of the procedure, which is generally manageable. Follow-up care may include instructions on activity restrictions, signs of complications to watch for, and scheduling any necessary follow-up appointments to assess the success of the angioplasty and overall recovery.
Short Descr REPAIR ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALO ANGIOP PRQ FEMPOP
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; femoral-popliteal
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory 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 Significant Procedure, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 60 - Embolectomy and endarterectomy of lower limbs
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 37220, 37221, 37222, 37223, 37224, 37225, 37226, 37227.
1992-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"