CPT code 35321 identifies a vascular surgical procedure to remove thrombus and atherosclerotic plaque from the axillary or brachial artery. This procedure is relevant for patients with upper-extremity arterial occlusion, ischemia, or embolic disease that compromise perfusion and limb function. Nationally, accurate coding of this procedure matters for clinical documentation, surgical quality tracking, and payer reimbursement alignment for vascular surgery services.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides a concise overview of coding intent and clinical context, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. Readers will find benchmarks where available, relevant policy and coverage highlights, and clinical context to inform coding and billing practices.

The report summarizes typical utilization scenarios for upper-extremity arterial thrombectomy/endarterectomy, outlines common billing considerations, and flags areas where authorization, inpatient-versus-outpatient status, and clinical documentation can affect coverage and payment. Data not provided in the input are noted as unavailable; the focus remains on clarifying clinical description, service setting, and the primary payer landscape for CPT code 35321.