How To Use CPT Code 36221
CPT 36221 describes the non-selective catheter placement in the thoracic aorta, along with angiography of the extracranial carotid, vertebral, and/or intracranial vessels. 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 36221?
CPT 36221 can be used to describe the non-selective catheter placement in the thoracic aorta, with angiography of the extracranial carotid, vertebral, and/or intracranial vessels. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs imaging supervision and interpretation for angiography by inserting a catheter through a distal artery into the thoracic aorta and injecting contrast material to take X-ray images of the arteries. The purpose of this procedure is to detect any vascular disease in these blood vessels.
2. Official Description
The official description of CPT code 36221 is: ‘Non-selective catheter placement, thoracic aorta, with angiography of the extracranial carotid, vertebral, and/or intracranial vessels, unilateral or bilateral, and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, includes angiography of the cervicocerebral arch, when performed.’
3. Procedure
- The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate prepping and anesthesia.
- A needle is used to puncture the site over a peripheral artery, typically the femoral artery.
- A guidewire is inserted through the needle and into the artery, and the needle is removed while leaving the guidewire in place.
- A sheath is inserted into the guidewire and into the artery.
- Under imaging guidance, a catheter is guided to the abdominal aorta and further up into the thoracic aorta.
- Contrast material is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken of the vertebral, extracranial carotid, intracranial vessels, and possibly the cervicocerebral arch.
- After imaging, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to stop bleeding from the incision site.
