CPT code 34471 represents an open surgical thrombectomy of the subclavian vein via a cervical incision to remove venous thrombus, performed with or without catheter assistance. This code captures a definitive operative intervention for central upper-extremity venous occlusion that can restore venous patency, relieve symptoms, and reduce risk of complications such as propagation of thrombus or venous gangrene. Nationally, accurate coding of this procedure affects hospital and surgical reimbursement, resource allocation in vascular surgery services, and clinical documentation standards.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find context on the clinical indication and typical sites of service, an outline of where CPT code 34471 fits in procedural coding, and what coverage stakeholders commonly consider when adjudicating claims. The publication summarizes benchmarked payment considerations and common coding practices, highlights relevant clinical scenarios for documentation, and summarizes policy and billing issues that commonly arise with operative venous thrombectomy procedures. Data not available in the input for specific payer rates, ICD-10 pairings, and associated taxonomies is noted where applicable.