Vascular surgeons diagnose and treat diseases of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system. Codes below reflect current CMS ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes for FY2026 (in effect since October 1, 2025 — FY2027, effective October 1, 2026, introduces no new peripheral vascular diagnosis codes) and CPT 2026 procedural codes, including the newly restructured territory-based lower extremity revascularization code set. Precise ICD-10 coding for peripheral arterial disease, DVT, aneurysms, and venous insufficiency — combined with accurate procedural CPT coding — is essential for surgical reimbursement. This page covers the top codes used by vascular surgery practices in the US.
FY 2027 ICD-10-CM (CMS, eff. 10/1/2026) · CPT 2026 (AMA) · All codes verified billable · Last verified: October 2026
Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter; age 5 years or older
~$248
-51, -59, -25
37700
Ligation and division of long saphenous vein at saphenofemoral junction, or distal interruptions
N/A (facility)
-50, -LT, -RT, -51
36902
Introduction of needle or intracatheter, dialysis circuit; with transluminal balloon angioplasty
N/A (facility)
-26, -59, -RT, -LT
99213
Office visit, established patient, low-moderate complexity (E/M level 3)
~$94
-25, -57, -GT
*Approximate 2025 CMS national non-facility rate. Rates vary by geography, setting, and payer contract. Refer to the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for official rates.
Top Denial Reasons for Vascular Surgery Claims
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Medical Necessity Not Sufficiently Documented
Vascular procedures such as carotid endarterectomy and endovascular stenting require documented evidence of stenosis severity, symptoms (e.g., TIA, claudication), and failed conservative treatment. Ensure operative notes and pre-procedure imaging reports clearly support the indication and are linked to the submitted ICD-10 diagnosis code.
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Missing or Incorrect Laterality Modifier
Bilateral vascular procedures on extremity vessels such as duplex scans (93971) or arteriovenous fistula creation are frequently denied when laterality modifiers (-LT, -RT) or bilateral modifier (-50) are omitted or applied incorrectly. Always confirm the operative site and append the appropriate modifier before submission.
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Prior Authorization Not Obtained for Elective Procedures
Many commercial and Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for elective endovascular procedures, angiography, and stent placements. Denials citing authorization not on file can be avoided by verifying payer-specific auth requirements pre-procedure and attaching the authorization number on the claim.
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Bundling of Separately Reportable Imaging Services
Payers frequently bundle intraoperative imaging into the primary vascular procedure code, denying separately billed diagnostic imaging. Append modifier -59 or -XU to document distinct services, and ensure documentation clearly reflects a separate clinical purpose for each reported service.
Vascular Surgery Billing & Coding Tips
Peripheral artery disease codes (I70.2x–I70.7x) require specificity for laterality, the presence of claudication vs. rest pain, and whether an ulcer or gangrene is present.
Duplex scan codes (93971/93970 for extremity veins, 93925/93926 for extremity arteries) require documentation of vessel interrogation with spectral and color flow — report findings on a separate interpretation report.
DVT codes (I82.4xx) require specifying the vessel (femoral, popliteal, tibial) and laterality — I82.401 is unspecified DVT of the right femoral vein.
Aortic aneurysm codes distinguish between abdominal (I71.4) and thoracic (I71.2) — without rupture — and the ruptured versions (I71.3, I71.1).
What is the ICD-10 code for peripheral artery disease?
I70.213 is atherosclerosis of native arteries of the right leg with intermittent claudication. Codes in the I70.2x–I70.7x range specify laterality, rest pain, ulceration site, and gangrene. Use I73.9 (peripheral vascular disease, unspecified) only when specificity is not documented.
What is the ICD-10 code for varicose veins?
I83.90 is varicose veins of the unspecified lower extremity without complication. I83.10 includes inflammation. I83.01x includes ulceration of a specific site. Always specify the extremity (right/left) and complications when documented.
What CPT code is used for carotid endarterectomy?
35301 covers carotid thromboendarterectomy by neck incision. It includes any patch graft if performed. Percutaneous carotid stenting uses 37215 (with distal embolic protection) or 37216 (without). The operative note must specify the approach and technique.
What is the code for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
I71.4 is AAA without rupture. I71.3 is ruptured AAA. For AAA repair, CPT 34800 covers endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of an infrarenal aneurysm; 35082 covers open repair. Specify the approach in the operative report.
How does OmniMD support vascular surgery documentation?
OmniMD’s Vascular Surgery EHR includes procedure note templates for open and endovascular cases, integrated vascular lab result viewing, ABI/duplex report storage, and surgical scheduling with pre-authorization tracking.
Streamline Your Vascular Surgery Practice with OmniMD
Purpose-built EHR, billing, and practice management for Vascular Surgery practices.
