35820 Explore chest vessels
Also known as: chest vascular exploration, thoracic vessel exploration, great vessel exploration
Surgical exploration of chest vessels (arteries and veins) for evaluation of thoracic vascular disease, trauma, or intervention planning. Provides access to subclavian, axillary, and great vessels.
In Plain Language
surgical examination of chest blood vessels; looking directly at vessels in the chest
Clinical Context
Performed for aortic disease, subclavian pathology, trauma, or mediastinal vascular assessment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 35.97 |
| Total RVU | 35.97 |
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 35.97, this code ranks in the 96th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35820?
CPT 35820 (Explore chest vessels) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration of chest vessels (arteries and veins) for evaluation of thoracic vascular disease, trauma, or intervention planning. Provides access to subclavian, axillary, and great vessels.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35820?
The work RVU for CPT 35820 is 35.97. This code is primarily used by Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35820 used?
Performed for aortic disease, subclavian pathology, trauma, or mediastinal vascular assessment.
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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.