35522 Artery byp graft axill-brachial
Also known as: axillary-brachial bypass, AB bypass
Arterial bypass graft from axillary to brachial artery with restoration of forearm and hand blood flow.
In Plain Language
Bypass from armpit to arm artery; Creating new forearm blood supply
Clinical Context
Revascularization for brachial artery stenosis/occlusion causing hand ischemia. Provides direct perfusion bypass for diseased upper extremity vessels.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 22.57 |
| Total RVU | 22.57 |
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 22.57, this code ranks in the 86th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35522?
CPT 35522 (Artery byp graft axill-brachial) is a Surgery code. Arterial bypass graft from axillary to brachial artery with restoration of forearm and hand blood flow.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35522?
The work RVU for CPT 35522 is 22.57. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Hand Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35522 used?
Revascularization for brachial artery stenosis/occlusion causing hand ischemia. Provides direct perfusion bypass for diseased upper extremity vessels.
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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.