35321 Rechanneling of artery
Also known as: axillary endarterectomy, axillary artery rechanneling
Rechanneling (thrombectomy with endarterectomy) of axillary artery with restoration of upper extremity perfusion.
In Plain Language
Cleaning out armpit artery; Removing blockage from axillary artery
Clinical Context
Surgical management of axillary artery stenosis/occlusion causing arm claudication or critical limb ischemia. Often combined with other procedures addressing subclavian disease.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.18 |
| Total RVU | 16.18 |
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 16.18, this code ranks in the 75th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35321?
CPT 35321 (Rechanneling of artery) is a Surgery code. Rechanneling (thrombectomy with endarterectomy) of axillary artery with restoration of upper extremity perfusion.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35321?
The work RVU for CPT 35321 is 16.18. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Hand Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35321 used?
Surgical management of axillary artery stenosis/occlusion causing arm claudication or critical limb ischemia. Often combined with other procedures addressing subclavian disease.
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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.