CPT code 37160 documents an open surgical caval–mesenteric venous anastomosis connecting the superior mesenteric vein to the inferior vena cava. The procedure is clinically significant for managing portal hypertension and for establishing direct portal-system access for targeted drug delivery. Nationally, this code captures complex vascular surgery typically performed in tertiary centers or hospital operating rooms and has implications for surgical resource use and specialty reimbursement.

Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical intent and typical care setting for the service, plus a summary of common modifiers associated with surgical coding for complex operations. The publication highlights what readers can expect regarding benchmarks and policy context: coding definitions, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations where available. Data not provided in the input—such as associated taxonomies, specific ICD-10 diagnoses, related CPT codes, and detailed payer-specific reimbursement rates—are noted as unavailable. The summary is intended to support billing staff, surgical service line managers, and policy analysts in interpreting the clinical and administrative purpose of CPT code 37160.