As the above article notes, using code 37241 is not appropriate. There is, however, some good news on two different fronts for those using the endomechanical device.
The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) initiated and was joined by the American Venous Forum (AVF), the American College of Phlebology (ACP), the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society of Interventional Radiology in asking for a unique and separate code for this procedure. This appears to be moving forward with, hopefully, a specific code and pricing by Medicare being announced in the next quarter.
Noridian, the Medicare Administrator for a large portion of the western United States as well as Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has recently allowed use of CPT code 36299 (Unlisted procedure, vascular injection) for this procedure. It is important to note NOC MECHANOCHEMICAL ABLATION COMPARABLE TO 36475 in block 19 or the electronic equivalent to ensure proper claims processing. The reimbursement rate has been at the 36475 RF Ablation code level.
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