How To Use CPT Code 36483

CPT 36483 describes the procedure of endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins in the extremities using a chemical adhesive delivered through a catheter. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 36483?

CPT 36483 can be used to describe the endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins in the extremities. This procedure involves the use of a chemical adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, which is delivered through a catheter to close off the lumen of the vein. It is performed to treat subsequent veins in the same session as the ablation of the initial vein.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36483 is: ‘Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider creates a small opening in the skin over the affected vein and inserts a guidewire under ultrasound guidance.
2. A hollow tube, known as a sheath, is then inserted over the guidewire.
3. The provider removes the guidewire and delivers the chemical adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, through the sheath to the target location in the vein.
4. After completing the procedure, the provider removes the sheath and irrigates the puncture site to control bleeding.
5. If necessary, the provider repeats the procedure on other veins in the same extremity through separate access sites.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36483 is used for patients with incompetent veins in the extremities. This condition occurs when the venous wall and/or valves in the leg veins are not working effectively. The procedure is performed by delivering a chemical adhesive through a catheter to ablate the vein. It is important to note that CPT 36483 should not be reported more than once per extremity and should not be reported in conjunction with certain other codes in the same surgical field.

5. When to use CPT code 36483

CPT code 36483 should be used when the provider performs endovenous ablation therapy for subsequent veins in a single extremity using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites. It should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code for the initial vein ablation. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report CPT 36483 more than once per extremity or in conjunction with specific other codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36483, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of incompetent veins in the extremities
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a chemical adhesive and separate access sites
• Date of the procedure
• Imaging guidance and monitoring performed
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36483, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent veins in the extremities using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report CPT 36483 more than once per extremity or in conjunction with specific other codes. It is also recommended to review the tips provided for accurate reporting of CPT 36483.

8. Historical information

CPT 36483 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs endovenous ablation therapy using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites to treat incompetent veins in the right leg.
2. During a single session, a provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on multiple veins in the left leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
3. A patient undergoes endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins in the right arm using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
4. A provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on a single vein in the left leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through a separate access site.
5. During a single session, a provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on multiple veins in the right leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
6. A patient undergoes endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins in the left arm using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
7. A provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on a single vein in the right leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through a separate access site.
8. During a single session, a provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on multiple veins in the left leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
9. A patient undergoes endovenous ablation therapy for incompetent veins in the right arm using a chemical adhesive delivered through separate access sites.
10. A provider performs endovenous ablation therapy on a single vein in the left leg using a chemical adhesive delivered through a separate access site.