How To Use CPT Code 36215

CPT 36215 describes the selective catheter placement within a vascular family, specifically in each first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch. 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 36215?

CPT 36215 can be used to describe the placement of a catheter into each first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family. This procedure is typically performed to perform angiography of these arteries.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36215 is: ‘Selective catheter placement, arterial system; each first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, within a vascular family.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider gains access to the blood vessels, most commonly through the femoral artery.
2. A small incision is made in the skin at the point of access, which is then cleaned with antiseptic liquid.
3. A guidewire is inserted through a sheath placed at the point of access.
4. A catheter is advanced into an artery and guided through the arteries to the specific area of focus.
5. Contrast material is injected through the catheter, and X-ray and/or fluoroscopic images are taken to visualize the blood vessels.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36215 is performed on patients who require angiography of the first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branches within a vascular family. This procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who has gained access to the blood vessels through the femoral artery. It is important to note that selective catheter placement supersedes nonselective catheter placement, and both should not be coded for the same access and in the same vascular family.

5. When to use CPT code 36215

CPT code 36215 should be used when a healthcare provider performs selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family. It is important to code for each vascular family separately and to include additional second or third order catheterizations within the family, as well as any additional imaging studies performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36215, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Point(s) of access where the sheath has been placed
• Approach used (ipsilateral or contralateral)
• Point(s) of the highest level where the catheter was manipulated
• Imaging studies performed
• Each vascular family and access coded separately
• Additional second or third order catheterizations within the family
• Additional imaging studies within the family above the basic examination

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36215, ensure that the healthcare provider has performed selective catheter placement within a vascular family. It is important to follow the guidelines for coding each vascular family separately and to include any additional catheterizations or imaging studies performed. Do not report CPT 36215 if nonselective catheter placement has already been performed in the same access and in the same vascular family.

8. Historical information

CPT 36215 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic branch within a vascular family to perform angiography of the arteries.
2. A patient undergoing selective catheter placement in each first order brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family for diagnostic purposes.
3. A healthcare provider performing selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic branch within a vascular family to assess blood flow and detect any abnormalities.
4. A patient undergoing selective catheter placement in each first order brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family to evaluate the condition of the arteries.
5. A healthcare provider performing selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic branch within a vascular family to guide the placement of stents.
6. A patient undergoing selective catheter placement in each first order brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family to assess the effectiveness of previous treatments.
7. A healthcare provider performing selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic branch within a vascular family to identify any blockages or narrowing in the arteries.
8. A patient undergoing selective catheter placement in each first order brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family to determine the need for further interventions.
9. A healthcare provider performing selective catheter placement in each first order thoracic branch within a vascular family to evaluate the success of previous procedures.
10. A patient undergoing selective catheter placement in each first order brachiocephalic branch within a vascular family to monitor the progression of a disease.