How To Use CPT Code 36011

CPT 36011 describes the selective catheter placement in the venous system, specifically targeting the first order branch veins such as the renal or jugular veins. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 36011?

CPT 36011 is used to describe the placement of a catheter into a first order branch vein in the venous system. This procedure is performed to diagnose and treat various disorders, including the administration of medications. The catheter is typically inserted into the patient’s groin and advanced into the renal or jugular vein.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36011 is: ‘Selective catheter placement, venous system; first order branch (e.g., renal vein, jugular vein).’ There are no additional notes or modifiers associated with this code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made at the site where the catheter will be inserted, often in the patient’s groin.
3. The provider advances the catheter into the first order branch vein, such as the renal or jugular vein.
4. The catheter is used to diagnose and treat various disorders, including the administration of medications.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36011 is performed on patients who require selective catheter placement in the venous system. This procedure is typically used to diagnose and treat specific disorders, and it involves targeting the first order branch veins, such as the renal or jugular veins. The patient must meet the medical necessity criteria for this procedure, as determined by the provider.

5. When to use CPT code 36011

CPT code 36011 should be used when the provider performs selective catheter placement in the venous system, specifically targeting the first order branch veins. This code is appropriate for procedures involving the renal or jugular veins. It is important to accurately document the specific vein targeted during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36011, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific vein targeted during the procedure (e.g., renal vein, jugular vein)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the catheter placement technique
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36011, ensure that the procedure involves the selective catheter placement in the venous system, specifically targeting the first order branch veins. It is important to accurately document the specific vein targeted during the procedure. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 36011 with other codes. However, any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session should be appropriately documented and reported separately, if applicable.

8. Historical information

CPT 36011 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs selective catheter placement in the renal vein to administer medication for a patient with renal artery stenosis.
2. During a procedure, a catheter is placed into the jugular vein to diagnose and treat a patient with superior vena cava syndrome.
3. A provider performs selective catheter placement in the renal vein to deliver chemotherapy directly to a tumor in a patient with renal cell carcinoma.
4. During a procedure, a catheter is placed into the jugular vein to perform an angioplasty for a patient with central venous stenosis.
5. A provider performs selective catheter placement in the renal vein to embolize a bleeding vessel in a patient with renal trauma.
6. During a procedure, a catheter is placed into the jugular vein to administer contrast dye for a patient undergoing a venogram.
7. A provider performs selective catheter placement in the renal vein to deliver radiofrequency ablation for a patient with renal cell carcinoma.
8. During a procedure, a catheter is placed into the jugular vein to perform a thrombectomy for a patient with deep vein thrombosis.
9. A provider performs selective catheter placement in the renal vein to deliver targeted radiation therapy for a patient with renal cell carcinoma.
10. During a procedure, a catheter is placed into the jugular vein to perform a venous angioplasty for a patient with chronic venous insufficiency.