37616 Ligation major artery chest
Also known as: Thoracic artery ligation
Surgical ligation of a major artery in the chest region, typically for hemorrhage control or vascular emergency management.
In Plain Language
Tying chest artery; Chest vessel surgery
Clinical Context
Used for penetrating thoracic trauma with hemorrhage, aortic injury, or management of ruptured thoracic aneurysms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 18.50 |
| Total RVU | 18.50 |
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 18.50, this code ranks in the 80th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 37616?
CPT 37616 (Ligation major artery chest) is a Surgery code. Surgical ligation of a major artery in the chest region, typically for hemorrhage control or vascular emergency management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 37616?
The work RVU for CPT 37616 is 18.50. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 37616 used?
Used for penetrating thoracic trauma with hemorrhage, aortic injury, or management of ruptured thoracic aneurysms.
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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.