Coding for Nonhemodialysis Graft Procedures (March 1999)

March 1999 page 6 Coding Communication Coding for Nonhemodialysis Graft Procedures Table 1: Comparison Between 1998 and 1999 Codes for Reporting Nonhemodialysis Graft Procedures In the last issue of the CPT Assistant, we looked at the coding changes related to hemodialysis grafting procedures (CPT Assistant, Vol. 9, Issue 2, February, 1999). In this article we will 1) identify the changes made for nonhemodialysis procedures, 2) identify the intent of use of the procedure codes for these services, and 3) provide examples of the codes use. Rational for Changes Prior to CPT 1999, only one code existed to describe bypass...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This CPT Assistant article explains March 1999 updates for nonhemodialysis graft procedures. It is aimed at coders, billers, and vascular surgery staff who need to understand how the revised CPT structure organized graft harvest, composite graft, and thrombectomy topics for reporting purposes. The article includes background on why the changes were made, comparisons with prior-year coding, and procedure-level examples and vignettes that illustrate the scope of the updates.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate understanding of these CPT revisions helps support consistent reporting for vascular bypass-related services and reduces confusion between similar graft and thrombectomy categories.

Article Sections

  1. Coding Communication

    Introduces the coding topic and frames the scope of the March 1999 guidance. Summarizes the overall purpose of the update and the comparison between prior and current coding.

  2. Rational for Changes

    Provides background on why the nonhemodialysis graft categories were revised. Discusses the general reasons for adding, revising, and clarifying related CPT codes.

  3. Upper Extremity Vein Harvest (35500)

    Describes the new upper extremity vein harvest topic and the related procedural context. Covers the general scope of the service and how it fits with bypass graft reporting.

  4. Composite Graft Procedures (35681-35683)

    Addresses the composite graft procedure category and the changes made for CPT 1999. Explains the broader intent of the revised composite graft group and its relationship to bypass graft reporting.

  5. Thrombectomy of Other Than Hemodialysis Graft or Fistula

    Discusses the thrombectomy code revision and the related dialysis-versus-nonhemodialysis distinction. Includes the broader procedural context for the updated thrombectomy category.

  6. Description of Procedure: 35500

    Provides a procedural overview and clinical vignette related to the upper extremity vein harvest topic. Illustrates the general operative setting and postoperative workflow described in the article.

  7. Description of Procedure: 35681

    Presents a procedural overview and clinical vignette related to the composite graft topic. Shows how the article frames the service in operative and postoperative terms.

  8. Description of Procedure: 35682 and 35683

    Covers procedural details and a clinical vignette for the multi-segment vein harvest topics. Describes the general operative sequence and the use of additional harvest sites.

  9. Description of Procedure: 35875

    Provides a procedural overview and clinical vignette for the thrombectomy topic. Describes the general operative context for graft thrombectomy and related follow-up considerations.

  10. Table 1-Comparison Between 1998 and 1999 Codes for Reporting Nonhemodialysis Graft Procedures

    Summarizes the year-to-year comparison of the relevant CPT code entries. Presents the article’s reference table for the 1998 and 1999 reporting structure.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article frames CPT 1999 changes for nonhemodialysis graft procedures
  • The general reasons the code structure was revised for bypass graft-related services
  • How the article organizes upper extremity harvest, composite graft, and thrombectomy topics
  • What kinds of procedural examples and vignettes are included to illustrate the guidance
  • How the article compares prior-year and updated code groupings

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding educators
  • Vascular surgery billing staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals
  • Clinical documentation staff

Codes Discussed

Code Ranges Discussed


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