Vein Ablation

General Documentation Requirements for Vein Ablation and related services:

  • Doppler ultrasound;
  • Documentation stating the presence or absence of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), aneurysm, and/or tortuosity (when applicable);
  • Documented Incompetence (reflux greater than 500msec) of the valves of the Saphenous, Perforator or Deep venous systems consistent with the patient’s symptoms and findings (when applicable);
  • Photographs if the clinical documentation received is inconclusive;
  • The patient’s medical record must contain a history and physical examination supporting the diagnosis of symptomatic varicose veins (evaluation and complains), and the failure of an adequate (at least 3 months) trial of conservative management (before the initial procedure).

Coverage Criteria

Codes

Code Description
36473 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, mechanochemical; first vein treated
36474 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, mechanochemical; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites
36475 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, radiofrequency; first vein treated
36476 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, radiofrequency; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access site
36478 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, laser; first vein treated
36479 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous, laser; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites
36482 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; first vein treated
36483 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites

 

The Prior Authorization for Certain Hospital Outpatient Department Part B Associated Codes List is in Appendix B of the CMS OPD Operational Guide.

Resources

 

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