35860 Explore limb vessels
Also known as: limb vessel exploration, extremity vascular exploration, peripheral artery exploration
Surgical exploration of limb vessels (arteries and veins) for peripheral vascular disease evaluation, ischemia assessment, or trauma management. Provides access to extremity vasculature.
In Plain Language
surgical examination of arm or leg blood vessels; opening up an arm or leg to look at blood vessels
Clinical Context
Performed for claudication, critical limb ischemia, graft assessment, or traumatic vascular injury.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 14.87 |
| Total RVU | 14.87 |
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 14.87, this code ranks in the 72nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 35860?
CPT 35860 (Explore limb vessels) is a Surgery code. Surgical exploration of limb vessels (arteries and veins) for peripheral vascular disease evaluation, ischemia assessment, or trauma management. Provides access to extremity vasculature.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 35860?
The work RVU for CPT 35860 is 14.87. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 35860 used?
Performed for claudication, critical limb ischemia, graft assessment, or traumatic vascular injury.
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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.