How To Use CPT Code 36589

CPT 36589 refers to the removal of a tunneled central venous catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 36589.

1. What is CPT 36589?

CPT 36589 is a medical procedure code used to describe the removal of a tunneled central venous catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump. This code is utilized by medical coders and billers to accurately document and bill for this specific procedure.

2. 36589 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 36589 is: “Removal of tunneled central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump.”

3. Procedure

The 36589 procedure involves the following steps:

  1. Administration of local anesthesia to the patient.
  2. Physician cuts the sutured area around the catheter.
  3. If necessary, an incision is made to free the cuff.
  4. Removal of the tunneled central venous catheter.
  5. Application of pressure at the site of entry and exit for a few minutes.
  6. Topical application of antibiotics to the incision site.
  7. Closure of the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 36589 services are those who have a tunneled central venous catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump that needs to be removed. This may be due to infection, malfunction, or completion of treatment requiring the catheter. The decision to remove the catheter is typically made by the treating physician based on the patient’s medical condition and needs.

5. When to use CPT code 36589

It is appropriate to bill the 36589 CPT code when a healthcare provider performs the removal of a tunneled central venous catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump. This code should be used to accurately document and bill for the specific procedure performed on the patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36589, the following information needs to be documented:

  • Patient’s medical history and reason for catheter removal.
  • Details of the procedure, including anesthesia administration, incision, and catheter removal.
  • Any complications encountered during the procedure.
  • Post-procedure care, including antibiotic application and incision closure.
  • Follow-up care instructions provided to the patient.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 36589, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips for billing this code include:

  • Ensure accurate documentation of the procedure and patient’s medical history.
  • Verify that the procedure performed matches the description of CPT 36589.
  • Check for any additional codes that may apply to the patient’s treatment or care.
  • Review payer-specific guidelines and requirements for billing CPT 36589.

8. Historical information

CPT 36589 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 36589

Five similar codes to CPT 36589 and how they differentiate are:

  1. CPT 36590: This code is used for the removal of a tunneled central venous access device with a subcutaneous port or pump.
  2. CPT 36591: This code describes the collection of blood specimen from a completely implantable venous access device.
  3. CPT 36592: This code is used for the collection of blood specimen using established central or peripheral venous catheter.
  4. CPT 36593: This code refers to the declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter.
  5. CPT 36595: This code is for the mechanical removal of peripherally inserted central venous catheter obstruction.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 36589 procedures:

  1. A patient with a history of cancer treatment has completed chemotherapy and no longer requires the tunneled central venous catheter.
  2. A patient with a tunneled central venous catheter develops a severe infection at the catheter site, necessitating its removal.
  3. A patient’s tunneled central venous catheter malfunctions and is no longer providing adequate access for treatment.
  4. A patient with a tunneled central venous catheter experiences pain and discomfort at the catheter site, prompting its removal.
  5. A patient’s medical condition improves, and the treating physician determines that the tunneled central venous catheter is no longer necessary.
  6. A patient with a history of long-term intravenous antibiotic treatment has completed therapy and requires removal of the tunneled central venous catheter.
  7. A patient’s tunneled central venous catheter becomes dislodged and requires removal for patient safety.
  8. A patient with a tunneled central venous catheter experiences recurrent infections at the catheter site, leading to its removal.
  9. A patient’s tunneled central venous catheter is no longer needed due to a change in treatment plan.
  10. A patient with a tunneled central venous catheter experiences complications related to the catheter, necessitating its removal.

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