Summary & Overview
CPT 34111: Forearm Arterial Thrombectomy/Embolectomy
CPT code 34111 represents a surgical arterial thrombectomy/embolectomy of the radial or ulnar artery performed via an open incision in the forearm to remove intraluminal occlusion, with or without catheter assistance. This code matters nationally because it captures a high-acuity vascular intervention aimed at limb salvage, acute ischemia management, and restoration of distal perfusion — procedures with significant clinical and resource implications across inpatient and ambulatory surgical settings.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and typical sites of service, plus benchmarks and coding guidance relevant to hospital and ambulatory surgical settings. The publication addresses reimbursement benchmarks, common billing and documentation considerations, and how this code fits within vascular surgery service lines and procedure groupings.
The summary provides: national-level context for utilization and payment relevance; payer coverage scope and typical claim settings; and practical coding considerations to align documentation with the procedural description. Data not available in the input is clearly identified where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 34111 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider makes an incision in the arm, dissects the vessel and surrounding soft tissue, opens the radial or ulnar artery, and clears an occlusion with or without use of a catheter. This procedure is an arterial thrombectomy or embolectomy of a forearm artery.
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Service type: Surgical arterial thrombectomy/embolectomy of the radial or ulnar artery
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or vascular surgery suite; may also be performed in an ambulatory surgical center when clinically appropriate
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old male with peripheral arterial disease presents with progressive ischemic symptoms of the hand and fingers on the right side, including rest pain and non-healing fingertip ulceration. Noninvasive vascular testing (duplex ultrasound and segmental pressures) identifies an occlusion of the radial artery distal to the antecubital fossa. The vascular surgeon schedules an open arterial thrombectomy/endarterectomy of the radial artery.
Preoperative workflow includes focused history and physical emphasizing vascular status, medication reconciliation with anticoagulation management, and consent for open arterial procedure. In the operating room under regional block or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the forearm/arm, dissects to the vessel, controls proximal and distal flow, opens the radial artery, and removes thrombus or atherosclerotic obstruction by direct removal or use of small embolectomy catheters. Hemostasis is achieved and the incision is closed. Postoperative care includes neurovascular checks, wound care, documentation of vascular repair, and instructions for antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy as indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normal, uncomplicated procedure | Use when the service is performed as scheduled without complications. |