Headline: CPT code 35626 covers open aortic-to-artery bypass grafting to bypass major branch obstructions.

Lead: CPT code 35626 describes an open vascular surgery in which a synthetic graft is used to reroute blood flow from the aorta around an occluded aortosubclavian, aortoinnominate, or aortocarotid artery. This procedure restores perfusion to the head, neck, or upper extremity and is performed in operative, typically inpatient, settings.

CPT code 35626 matters nationally because it represents a high-acuity vascular reconstruction with implications for hospital resource use, perioperative risk management, and payer coverage policies. Key payers considered in national analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Readers will gain a clear understanding of: the clinical intent and procedural context for CPT code 35626; the typical service setting and resource implications; the range of modifiers commonly applied to complex surgical encounters (listed separately); and where to look for related coding or coverage guidance. The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant observations about billing classifications and clinical context without state-specific references. Data not available in the input for some comparative metrics is noted where applicable.