37181 Splice spleen/kidney veins
Also known as: spleen-kidney bypass, splenic-renal anastomosis
Splenic and renal artery vein anastomosis (bypass) to create collateral venous circulation, typically performed for portal hypertension or renal vein thrombosis.
In Plain Language
splenic-renal blood vessel connection; portal pressure relief surgery
Clinical Context
Used in advanced portal hypertension when standard portosystemic shunts are not feasible. Creates alternate venous drainage from spleen and kidney.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 39.00 |
| Total RVU | 39.00 |
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 39.00, this code ranks in the 97th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 37181?
CPT 37181 (Splice spleen/kidney veins) is a Surgery code. Splenic and renal artery vein anastomosis (bypass) to create collateral venous circulation, typically performed for portal hypertension or renal vein thrombosis.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 37181?
The work RVU for CPT 37181 is 39.00. This code is primarily used by vascular surgery, hepatic surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 37181 used?
Used in advanced portal hypertension when standard portosystemic shunts are not feasible. Creates alternate venous drainage from spleen and kidney.
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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.