35500 Harvest vein for bypass
Also known as: vein harvesting, saphenous vein procurement
Harvest of saphenous vein or cephalic vein for use as bypass graft conduit in arterial reconstruction.
In Plain Language
Taking vein from leg for bypass; Harvesting vein for graft
Clinical Context
Autogenous vein procurement for arterial bypass grafting. Saphenous vein preferred for coronary and infrapopliteal grafts. Cephalic or basilic veins used for upper extremity reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.28 |
| Total RVU | 6.28 |
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 6.28, this code ranks in the 42nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35500?
CPT 35500 (Harvest vein for bypass) is a Surgery code. Harvest of saphenous vein or cephalic vein for use as bypass graft conduit in arterial reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35500?
The work RVU for CPT 35500 is 6.28. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery.
When is CPT 35500 used?
Autogenous vein procurement for arterial bypass grafting. Saphenous vein preferred for coronary and infrapopliteal grafts. Cephalic or basilic veins used for upper extremity reconstruction.
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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.