CPT® Code 37247

Add-On Code

Transluminal balloon angioplasty (except lower extremity artery(ies) for occlusive disease, intracranial, coronary, pulmonary, or dialysis circuit), open or percutaneous, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty within the same artery; each additional artery (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a specialized endovascular procedure designed to treat narrowing or blockage (stenosis) in various arteries, excluding those in the lower extremities. This procedure employs fluoroscopy, a type of real-time imaging, to visualize the arteries and guide the treatment process. The procedure can be performed either percutaneously or through an open approach. In the percutaneous method, a needle is inserted through the skin into a blood vessel, typically located in the groin, arm, or neck. A guidewire is then threaded through this needle, which is subsequently replaced with a vascular sheath to facilitate the introduction of a catheter. In contrast, the open approach involves making an incision directly over the targeted vessel to gain access. Once access is achieved, a vascular catheter is inserted over the guidewire, and contrast dye is injected to enhance the visibility of the arteries and pinpoint areas of stenosis or occlusion. Following this, the vascular catheter is exchanged for a balloon catheter, which is carefully advanced to the site of narrowing. The balloon is inflated with a dilute contrast solution, effectively expanding the artery for a specified duration. After the inflation period, the balloon is deflated and removed. To confirm the success of the procedure, a vascular catheter is reinserted, and angiography is performed again to assess whether the artery has been adequately opened or if further intervention is necessary. The CPT® Code 37246 is used to report the initial angioplasty performed on the first artery, while CPT® Code 37247 is designated for each additional artery treated during the same session.