How To Use CPT Code 36468

CPT 36468 describes the injection(s) of a sclerosing solution for the treatment of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the limbs or trunk. 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 36468?

CPT 36468 can be used to describe the injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins (telangiectasia) in the limbs or trunk. This code is used when a healthcare provider administers the sclerosing solution directly into the affected vein, causing the vein’s walls to collapse. The procedure is typically performed on the arms, legs, or trunk to improve the appearance of spider veins.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36468 is: ‘Injection(s) of sclerosant for spider veins (telangiectasia), limb or trunk.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. A syringe filled with a sclerosing solution is inserted directly into the affected vein of the arm, leg, or trunk.
3. The sclerosing solution causes the vein’s walls to collapse.
4. After injecting the solution, the healthcare provider removes the needle and applies pressure to stop the bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36468 is used for the treatment of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the limbs or trunk. The procedure is performed on patients who desire to improve the appearance of spider veins. It is important to note that this code should not be reported for the same extremity if other specific codes are already used, such as 29520, 29530, 29540, 29550, 29580, 29581, 29584, or 37241 in the same surgical field.

5. When to use CPT code 36468

CPT code 36468 should be used when a healthcare provider performs injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins (telangiectasia) in the limbs or trunk. It is important to use this code only once per extremity per session, regardless of the number of needle injections performed. If compounded foam sclerosant(s) are used, do not report CPT code 36468. Instead, use codes 36465 or 36466.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36468, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of spider veins (telangiectasia)
• Specific details of the injection(s) performed
• Date and time of the procedure
• Location of the treated vein(s)
• Progress made by the patient
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36468, ensure that the procedure is performed on spider veins (telangiectasia) in the limbs or trunk. Do not report this code if other specific codes are already used for the same extremity or in the same surgical field. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report CPT 36468 more than once per extremity per session. If ultrasound guidance is performed in conjunction with the injection(s), use code 76942 separately.

8. Historical information

CPT 36468 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been some changes to the code over the years, including updates to the code description and the addition of specific notes.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins on a patient’s leg.
2. A patient undergoes injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to improve the appearance of spider veins on their arm.
3. A healthcare provider administers a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins on a patient’s trunk.
4. An individual receives injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to address spider veins on their leg.
5. A healthcare provider performs injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins on a patient’s arm.
6. A patient undergoes injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to improve the appearance of spider veins on their trunk.
7. A healthcare provider administers a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins on a patient’s leg.
8. An individual receives injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to address spider veins on their arm.
9. A healthcare provider performs injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins on a patient’s trunk.
10. A patient undergoes injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to improve the appearance of spider veins on their leg.