May 9, 2008
Vascular Cryoplasty Revisited
Vascular cryoplasty is a relatively new procedure developed to address the problem of restenosis. The usual procedure for angioplasty of a peripheral vessel is followed by freezing the atherosclerotic plaque. Studies have shown improvement in restenosis rates following this procedure. CIGNA Government Services published an article in the April 2007 Bulletin instructing providers that this was considered investigational and to bill with CPT 37999. Those instructions are rescinded, effective immediately. This procedure is now covered, and should be billed with a CPT code in the range 35470 – 35476, as appropriate. Coverage of peripheral vascular cryoplasty was effective 10-1-2007.
