34820 Opn iliac artery expos
Also known as: open iliac exposure, iliac cutdown, iliac artery exposure
Open iliac artery exposure for vascular procedures. Surgical access and exposure of iliac artery.
In Plain Language
surgical opening to access pelvis artery
Clinical Context
Used for surgical exposure of iliac artery when percutaneous access is not feasible or for endarterectomy/repair.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.83 |
| Total RVU | 6.83 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 6.83, this code ranks in the 44th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 34820?
CPT 34820 (Opn iliac artery expos) is a Surgery code. Open iliac artery exposure for vascular procedures. Surgical access and exposure of iliac artery.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 34820?
The work RVU for CPT 34820 is 6.83. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery.
When is CPT 34820 used?
Used for surgical exposure of iliac artery when percutaneous access is not feasible or for endarterectomy/repair.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.