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Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation

Percutaneous Fistula Creation is a minimally invasive outpatient option for patients with kidney disease nearing or already on dialysis. The minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgical fistula creations and is created through a small hole in the skin without surgical incisions. Through the hole, the artery and vein are fused together to form a dialysis access fistula.

PROCEDURE
A Vascular & Interventional Radiologist will use ultrasound guidance to find a superficial (shallow) vein in the upper forearm and create a small puncture into the vein and then the artery. A small wire is inserted allowing delivery of a special device which pulls the walls of the vein and artery together and thermal energy is activated to finalize the connection and create the fistula.

To determine if you are the right candidate for Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation, speak to your dialysis team for more information.

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FAQ

What are the benefits of Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation vs Surgical Fistula Creation? Expand

Percutaneous AV Fistula Creation is a minimally invasive procedure that may offer shorter recovery, improved healing, fewer complications than traditional surgery, and no deformity of the arm. The procedure is 30 minutes in length and does not require general anesthesia. Patients will be left with one small puncture site instead of a scar which is common with surgery. Surgical fistulas may be a more appropriate choice for some patients, so it is important to discuss with your dialysis team.

Is treatment covered by insurance? Expand

AV fistula creation is a medically necessary procedure and is usually covered by most insurances.

What can I expect in terms of billing? Expand

Your insurance card must be presented at your appointment, and a co-pay may be due, depending on the requirements of your insurance provider. Charlotte Radiology will verify insurance coverage and benefits; however, specific questions regarding your policy and coverage should be directed to your insurance carrier, as insurance plans and benefits vary widely. Please check the list below to see if we accept your insurance, but also clarify with your provider regarding your specific plan.

Charlotte Radiology accepts the following insurance plans, but is not limited to:

  • Aetna
  • American PPO
  • Beech Street
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (excluding Blue Value plan)
  • CCN
  • Choice Care Network /Humana
  • CIGNA Healthcare (excluding Healthspring)
  • Coventry Healthcare HMO and POS
  • First Carolina Care(First Plan)
  • First Health
  • Great West Healthcare
  • H.C. Group
  • MAMSI (All products)
  • Medcost
  • Medicaid (excluding SC Medicaid HMO and MCO plans)
  • Medical Claims Resource (MCR)
  • Medicare
  • Railroad
  • Humana
  • Partners
  • UHC Medicare Complete
  • ChoiceCare
  • National Care Network
  • New Healthcare Mgmt Group
  • Perdue Inc.
  • Preferred Medical Claim Solutions, LLC (PMCS)
  • Premier Health Systems
  • Primary Physician's Care (PPC)
  • Provider Select, Inc. (PSI)
  • QTC Medical Group
  • Rutherford Health Plan
  • SouthCare
  • State Employees Health Plan (SHP)
  • Three Rivers Provider Network (TRPN)
  • Tricare
  • Tyson Foods Provider Network (TPN)
  • United Healthcare (excluding Compass Plan)
  • United Healthcare Medicare
  • Wellpath
  • Western Regional PHO

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