Summary & Overview

HCPCS G9541: Filter Removed Within 3 Months of Placement

HCPCS Level II code G9541 denotes removal of a vascular filter within three months of placement. This code matters nationally because timely retrieval of temporary filters affects patient safety, clinical outcomes, and payment clarity across inpatient and outpatient settings. Use of a distinct HCPCS Level II code supports claims processing, utilization tracking, and quality monitoring related to short-interval device removals. Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the service captured by the code, common billing contexts, and expected site-of-service patterns. The publication presents benchmarks for utilization where available, notes relevant policy updates affecting coverage and documentation, and summarizes clinical context about why early filter removal may be performed. Where input data is incomplete, the text indicates missing elements rather than inferring specifics. This resource is intended for billing managers, revenue cycle professionals, and clinical administrators seeking a clear national-level summary of HCPCS Level II code G9541 and its administrative implications.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicareG9541HCPCS Level IIfilter removalinferior vena cava filterinterventional radiologyhospital outpatientdevice retrievalbilling

Billing Code Overview

HCPCS Level II code G9541 describes filter removed within 3 months of placement. The service represented by this code is the removal of a vascular or inferior vena cava filter that is removed within three months after its initial placement. The typical site of service for this procedure is an inpatient or outpatient hospital setting or an interventional radiology/specialty clinic where device removal under imaging guidance is performed.

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult who had a temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placed during hospitalization for acute venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) or for thromboembolism prophylaxis when anticoagulation was contraindicated. Within three months of placement the patient returns for elective retrieval of the retrievable IVC filter after contraindications to anticoagulation have resolved or thrombotic risk has decreased. The workflow includes pre-procedure imaging review (CT venography or duplex ultrasound), informed consent, percutaneous venous access (commonly right internal jugular or femoral), fluoroscopic guidance for filter snaring and removal, post-removal venogram to assess for caval injury or residual thrombus, hemostasis, and brief observation before discharge. Typical sites of service are hospital outpatient interventional radiology suites or ambulatory surgical centers with fluoroscopy capability.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use when filter removal requires substantially greater work or time than typical (document justification).
`23`	Unusual anesthesia	Use when general anesthesia is medically necessary for filter removal and is not typical.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when a planned full procedure is partially performed or aborted but still billable at a reduced level.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the removal attempt is started but stopped due to extenuating circumstances or patient safety.
`54`	Surgical care only	Use when another clinician performs only the intraoperative portion and pre/post care is by another provider.
`55`	Postoperative management only	Use when only post-procedure inpatient management is provided by the billing surgeon.
`56`	Preoperative management only	Use when only pre-procedure evaluation and clearance are provided.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons of different specialties are required intraoperatively for filter removal (rare).
`AS`	Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist service	Use when a qualified non-physician practitioner furnishes services in a facility setting under appropriate supervision.
`CO`	Left or right co-surgeon	Use when a co-surgeon is required and documented for complex removal.

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207RX0400X	Interventional Radiology	Primary specialty performing percutaneous IVC filter placement and retrieval.
208800000X	General Surgery (Vascular)	Vascular and general surgeons may perform filter removals, especially in open or complex cases.
207RG0300X	Vascular Surgery	Vascular surgeons frequently manage IVC filter complications and removals.
208D00000X	Diagnostic Radiology	May be involved for image guidance and interpretation pre- and post-procedure.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`I82.40`	Acute embolism and thrombosis of unspecified deep veins of lower extremity	Common indication for IVC filter placement and subsequent retrieval once anticoagulation is possible.
`I26.99`	Other pulmonary embolism without acute cor pulmonale	Pulmonary embolism is a primary condition prompting temporary filter placement; removal follows recovery and anticoagulation.
`Z45.2`	Encounter for adjustment and management of vascular device, implant and graft	Used for follow-up and management related to implanted vascular devices such as IVC filters and their removal.
`Z95.2`	Presence of vascular implant and graft	Document presence of a vascular implant (e.g., IVC filter) when planning removal.
`T82.890A`	Other complications of other vascular prosthetic devices, implants and grafts, initial encounter	Used when there are complications related to the filter (migration, fracture) prompting removal.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`37193`	Endovascular removal of intravascular foreign body (e.g., catheter, guidewire)	Technically similar endovascular retrieval techniques; may be reported for complex snaring/retrieval maneuvers if applicable.
`37184`	Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy, percutaneous; venous, any method	Performed when concomitant venous thrombus is present and requires mechanical thrombectomy at the time of filter removal.
`36011`	Introduction of catheter, inferior vena cava, radiological supervision and interpretation	May be reported for diagnostic venography of the IVC performed during filter removal to assess anatomy and residual thrombus.
`36012`	Introduction of catheter, superior or inferior vena cava with contrast injection	Used when selective catheterization and contrast injection of the IVC is performed as part of the removal procedure.