A: Code 37243, (Vascular embolization or occlusion, inclusive of all radiological supervision and interpretation, intraprocedural roadmapping, and imaging guidance necessary to complete the intervention; for tumors, organ ischemia, or infarction) will replace 37210 in 2014 to describe an elective embolization of the uterine arteries to treat uterine fibroids.
Key to determining the appropriate embolization code is the indication for the study. As noted in the CPT® 2014 guidelines, Code 37243 is used to report embolization for the purpose of tissue ablation and organ infarction or ischemia. This can be performed in many clinical circumstances, including embolization of benign or malignant tumors of the liver, kidney, uterus, or other organs…
There may be overlapping indications for an embolization procedure. The code for the immediate indication for the embolization should be used. For instance, if the immediate cause for embolization is bleeding in a patient with an aneurysm, report 37244. Therefore, in an emergency situation to control uterine artery hemorrhage, it is appropriate to report 37244.
Note that the codes for catheter placement, ultrasound for vascular access, and imaging for diagnostic studies may be reported separately with the appropriate modifier (eg, 59) to designate separate and distinct procedures.