CPT code 35516 identifies a surgical arterial bypass that connects the subclavian artery to a segment of the axillary artery using a vein graft to bypass an occlusion. Nationally, this code represents a specialized vascular surgery used to restore upper-extremity perfusion when endovascular options are unsuitable or have failed. It is clinically significant for vascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and trauma practices and has implications for hospital surgical services and reimbursement for complex vascular procedures.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, commonly reported modifiers, and the payer mix relevant to national benchmarking. The publication highlights where to expect variability in coding and site-of-care designations and outlines which stakeholders—surgeons, hospitals, and payers—are most directly affected by claims for this service.

The content that follows presents benchmarks, coding guidance, and policy considerations at a national level, along with practical information to support accurate claim submission and administrative handling of complex vascular bypass procedures. Data not available in the input will be noted explicitly where relevant.