35021 Repair defect of artery
Also known as: thoracic aortic repair, thoracic aorta defect repair
Repair of a defect of the thoracic aorta (suture or patch angioplasty). Surgical correction of thoracic aortic defect.
In Plain Language
surgical repair of problem in chest main artery
Clinical Context
Used for thoracic aortic aneurysm, dissection, or traumatic injury. May require circulatory support during repair.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.62 |
| Total RVU | 21.62 |
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. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 21.62, this code ranks in the 84th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35021?
CPT 35021 (Repair defect of artery) is a Surgery code. Repair of a defect of the thoracic aorta (suture or patch angioplasty). Surgical correction of thoracic aortic defect.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35021?
The work RVU for CPT 35021 is 21.62. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35021 used?
Used for thoracic aortic aneurysm, dissection, or traumatic injury. May require circulatory support during 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.