CPT® Code 35820

The CPT® Code 35820 refers to the procedure of exploration for postoperative hemorrhage, thrombosis, or infection specifically in the chest area. This procedure is performed when a patient exhibits symptoms that suggest complications following a surgical operation. Symptoms indicative of postoperative hemorrhage may include a low red blood cell count, while thrombosis may present with pain, redness, swelling, and/or shortness of breath. In cases of infection, patients may experience fever, redness, swelling, and/or tenderness at the surgical site. When non-surgical interventions do not alleviate these symptoms, the patient is taken back to the operating room for a thorough exploration of the surgical site. During this procedure, the surgical incision is reopened to allow for a detailed inspection of the area. The surgeon will control any bleeding through methods such as ligation or cautery, evacuate any blood clots, and address any signs of infection by draining abscesses and flushing the wound with normal saline or an antibiotic solution. Depending on the findings, drains may be placed, and the surgical wound may either be closed or packed with gauze. This code is specifically designated for chest procedures, with other codes available for similar explorations in different anatomical areas, such as the neck, abdomen, and extremities.