How To Use CPT Code 36593

CPT 36593 describes the procedure of declotting an implanted vascular access device or catheter using a thrombolytic agent. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 36593?

CPT 36593 can be used to describe the procedure of declotting an implanted vascular access device or catheter using a thrombolytic agent. This code is used when a healthcare provider administers a drug, such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), to dissolve a clot in the device.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36593 is: ‘Declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter.’

3. Procedure

1. A healthcare provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for declotting of the implanted vascular access device or catheter.
2. The provider selects a thrombolytic agent, such as tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), to dissolve the clot.
3. The provider administers the thrombolytic agent to the implanted device or catheter, aiming to restore its functionality.
4. The patient’s response to the procedure is monitored, and additional interventions may be performed if necessary.
5. Documentation of the procedure, including the specific thrombolytic agent used, the date, and any additional interventions performed, is recorded.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36593 is used when a patient’s implanted vascular access device or catheter becomes obstructed by a blood clot. This procedure is typically performed by a physician or a registered nurse. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to work performed on the device itself, rather than the patient’s blood vessels.

5. When to use CPT code 36593

CPT code 36593 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure of declotting an implanted vascular access device or catheter using a thrombolytic agent. It is important to ensure that the procedure is specifically targeted at the device or catheter and not the patient’s blood vessels.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36593, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for declotting of the implanted vascular access device or catheter
• Specific thrombolytic agent used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional interventions performed
• Response of the patient to the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36593, ensure that the procedure is performed on an implanted vascular access device or catheter using a thrombolytic agent. It is important to note that this code is specific to the work performed on the device and should not be reported for procedures targeting the patient’s blood vessels. No specific billing guidelines or modifiers are mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 36593 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2008. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician declotting an implanted vascular access device using tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) to restore its functionality.
2. A registered nurse administering a thrombolytic agent to dissolve a clot in an implanted catheter.
3. A healthcare provider performing the procedure of declotting an implanted vascular access device using a specific thrombolytic agent.
4. A physician injecting a drug to dissolve a clot in an implanted central venous catheter.
5. A registered nurse monitoring the patient’s response to the procedure of declotting an implanted vascular access device.
6. A healthcare provider documenting the specific thrombolytic agent used and any additional interventions performed during the procedure of declotting an implanted catheter.
7. A physician assessing the patient’s condition and determining the need for declotting of an implanted vascular access device.
8. A registered nurse recording the date of the procedure and the patient’s response to the declotting of an implanted catheter.
9. A healthcare provider selecting a thrombolytic agent to dissolve a clot in an implanted vascular access device.
10. A physician performing the procedure of declotting an implanted central venous catheter to restore its functionality.