Summary & Overview
CPT 35883: Open Femoral Patch Graft Revision of Synthetic Bypass
CPT code 35883 represents an open vascular surgical revision in which a patch graft not made from patient tissue is applied to the femoral connection of a synthetic arterial bypass graft. This procedure is clinically important because it addresses anastomotic complications—such as stenosis, dehiscence, or infection risk—at a critical inflow or outflow site that can compromise limb perfusion. Nationally, management of prosthetic bypass graft complications has implications for surgical quality, resource utilization, and postoperative outcomes.
Key payers in scope include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of coding intent, typical sites of service, and clinical context for 35883. The publication also covers payer coverage patterns and benchmarks where available, recent policy or coverage updates affecting vascular reconstructive procedures, and practical clinical context for surgical teams and revenue cycle professionals. Content is framed for a national audience and supports clinical, administrative, and policy stakeholders seeking clear guidance on when this code applies and how it fits into vascular surgical care pathways.
Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 pairings, and payer-specific reimbursement rates.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 35883 describes an open surgical procedure to apply a patch graft, not derived from the patient, to revise the femoral connection of an existing synthetic arterial bypass graft. The service involves a direct, open approach to the groin/femoral artery region to repair or revise the graft-to-artery anastomosis using a prosthetic or non-autologous patch material.
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Service type: Open vascular surgical revision with patch grafting
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Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient or outpatient operating room, commonly performed in a vascular surgery suite or tertiary care surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 72-year-old male with a prior synthetic femoral–popliteal arterial bypass presents with progressive claudication and a pulsatile, tender groin mass at the femoral anastomosis. Duplex ultrasound and CT angiography demonstrate anastomotic degeneration with a focal defect and perigraft leak of the synthetic bypass at the common femoral artery. The vascular surgery team schedules an open revision: under general anesthesia, exposure of the femoral anastomosis is performed via a standard groin incision, the prior synthetic graft anastomosis is controlled, infected or degenerated material is debrided as indicated, and a patch graft (not autologous vein or patient tissue) is applied to revise and reinforce the femoral connection of the synthetic arterial bypass. Hemostasis is confirmed and the incision is closed in layers. Typical perioperative workflow includes preoperative imaging and labs, intraoperative vascular control and patch application, immediate postoperative monitoring in PACU with vascular checks, and short inpatient observation for wound and graft assessment. The typical site of service is an operating room in an acute care hospital or ambulatory surgical center capable of vascular open procedures.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Normal (primary) procedure | Use when this procedure is the primary service rendered during the encounter |