35556 Artery byp graft fem-popliteal
Also known as: femoropopliteal bypass, fem-pop bypass
Arterial bypass graft from femoral to popliteal artery with restoration of lower leg and foot blood flow.
In Plain Language
Bypass in thigh and knee area; Restoring blood flow to lower leg
Clinical Context
Infrainguinal revascularization for femoral-popliteal artery occlusion causing claudication or critical limb ischemia. Autogenous vein grafting provides superior patency to prosthetic grafts.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 26.08 |
| Total RVU | 26.08 |
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 26.08, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35556?
CPT 35556 (Artery byp graft fem-popliteal) is a Surgery code. Arterial bypass graft from femoral to popliteal artery with restoration of lower leg and foot blood flow.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35556?
The work RVU for CPT 35556 is 26.08. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35556 used?
Infrainguinal revascularization for femoral-popliteal artery occlusion causing claudication or critical limb ischemia. Autogenous vein grafting provides superior patency to prosthetic grafts.
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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.