Iliac Angioplasty and Stent Coding: Per Vessel or Per Lesion?

Question:

The surgeon documented angioplasty and stents for occlusive disease in the right common and external iliac arteries. Is this reported with one or two codes?

Answer:

That depends! Coding is reported per lesion, not per vessel. So, if a single lesion extends across the two iliac vessels, external and common, only one code is reported, 37221. However, if two separate and distinct lesions are in these two vessels, separately treated with angioplasty and stents, then two codes may be reported, 37221 and +37223. Documentation of two separate and distinct lesions will be key!

*This response is based on the best information available as of 4/10/25.