37609 Ligation/biopsy temporal artery
Also known as: Temporal artery biopsy, TAB, Temporal artery ligation
Surgical ligation and/or biopsy of the temporal artery, commonly performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
Checking temple artery; Tying temple vessel
Clinical Context
Performed to diagnose giant cell arteritis through biopsy or to manage symptomatic temporal artery pseudoaneurysms following trauma.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.97 |
| Total RVU | 2.97 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 2.97, this code ranks in the 21st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 37609?
CPT 37609 (Ligation/biopsy temporal artery) is a Surgery code. Surgical ligation and/or biopsy of the temporal artery, commonly performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 37609?
The work RVU for CPT 37609 is 2.97. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Rheumatology Surgery, Otolaryngology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 37609 used?
Performed to diagnose giant cell arteritis through biopsy or to manage symptomatic temporal artery pseudoaneurysms following trauma.
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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.