How To Use CPT Code 36620

CPT 36620 is a code for arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion performed percutaneously. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 36620 procedures.

1. What is CPT 36620?

CPT 36620 is a medical code used to describe a specific procedure involving arterial catheterization or cannulation for the purpose of sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. This procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through the skin. Medical professionals use this code to accurately document and bill for the services provided during this procedure.

2. 36620 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 36620 is: “Arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring or transfusion (separate procedure); percutaneous.”

3. Procedure

The CPT 36620 procedure involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider locates the artery and cleans the skin over the puncture site with an antiseptic solution.
3. A needle is inserted into the site to puncture the artery, often the radial or ulnar artery.
4. Using the needle, the catheter or cannula is inserted into the artery.
5. The needle is removed once the catheter is in the appropriate position.
6. When the procedure is complete, the provider removes the catheter and applies pressure on the puncture wound in the artery to stop the blood flow.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT 36620 services are those who require arterial catheterization or cannulation for the purpose of sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. This may include patients with critical illnesses, those undergoing surgery, or patients who require continuous real-time blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. The decision to perform this procedure is based on the patient’s medical condition and the provider’s clinical judgment.

5. When to use CPT code 36620

It is appropriate to bill the 36620 CPT code when a provider performs arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion percutaneously. This code should not be reported separately with a related procedure when a provider performs this service in an anatomically related region through the same skin incision. If the provider performs the 36620 procedure with an unrelated procedure, you may need to append modifier 59, Distinct procedural service, to 36620.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36620, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the artery accessed, the type of catheter or cannula used, and any complications encountered
• Results of any blood samples taken or monitoring performed during the procedure
• Post-procedure care and follow-up instructions

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 36620, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. As mentioned earlier, this code should not be reported separately with a related procedure when a provider performs this service in an anatomically related region through the same skin incision. If the provider performs the 36620 procedure with an unrelated procedure, you may need to append modifier 59, Distinct procedural service, to 36620. Additionally, ensure that all documentation requirements are met to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 36620 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 36620

Five similar codes to CPT 36620 and how they differentiate are:

• CPT 36625: This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the skin to locate the artery and then inserts a catheter into the artery for the purpose of sampling, monitoring, or transfusion.
• CPT 36640: This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the skin to locate the artery and then inserts a catheter into the artery for the purpose of prolonged infusion therapy.
• CPT 36660: This code is used for arterial catheterization or cannulation in neonates and infants.
• CPT 36680: This code is used for arterial catheterization or cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS).
• CPT 93503: This code is used for the insertion and placement of a Swan-Ganz catheter for monitoring purposes.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 36620 procedures:

1. A patient undergoing major surgery requires continuous real-time blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.
2. A critically ill patient in the intensive care unit requires arterial blood gas sampling. The provider inserts a percutaneous arterial catheter using CPT 36620.
3. A patient with severe sepsis requires continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.
4. A patient undergoing a complex cardiac procedure requires continuous real-time blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.
5. A patient with respiratory failure requires arterial blood gas sampling. The provider inserts a percutaneous arterial catheter using CPT 36620.
6. A patient undergoing a liver transplant requires continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.
7. A patient with a traumatic injury requires arterial blood sampling for laboratory analysis. The provider inserts a percutaneous arterial catheter using CPT 36620.
8. A patient undergoing a neurosurgical procedure requires continuous real-time blood pressure and heart rate monitoring. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.
9. A patient with a severe burn injury requires arterial blood gas sampling. The provider inserts a percutaneous arterial catheter using CPT 36620.
10. A patient undergoing a complex vascular procedure requires continuous monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. The provider performs a percutaneous arterial catheterization using CPT 36620.