How To Use CPT Code 36625

CPT 36625 describes the procedure of arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. 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 36625?

CPT 36625 is used to describe the procedure of arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. It involves making an incision in the skin to locate the artery and then inserting a catheter into the artery. This catheter is used for various purposes such as sampling blood, transfusing fluids, or monitoring blood pressure and heart rate in real-time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36625 is: ‘Arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring or transfusion (separate procedure); cutdown.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin to expose the target artery, typically the radial or ulnar artery in the forearm.
3. A needle is inserted into the artery to puncture it, and a catheter or cannula is then inserted through the needle.
4. Once the catheter is in the appropriate position, the needle is removed.
5. The catheter is used for sampling blood, transfusing fluids, or monitoring blood pressure and heart rate in real-time.
6. After the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed, and the artery is sutured to close the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36625 is performed when there is a need for arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. The procedure is typically done on arteries such as the radial or ulnar artery. It is important to note that CPT 36625 is a separate procedure and should not be reported with related procedures performed through the same skin incision. Modifier 59 may be necessary if CPT 36625 is performed with an unrelated procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 36625

CPT code 36625 should be used when a healthcare provider performs arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion as a separate procedure. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific circumstances and purpose of the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36625, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the need for arterial catheterization or cannulation
• Specific artery targeted for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, insertion of the catheter, and any complications
• Purpose of the procedure, such as sampling, transfusion, or monitoring
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 36625
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36625, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for arterial catheterization or cannulation for sampling, monitoring, or transfusion. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers to accurately report the procedure. CPT 36625 should not be reported with related procedures performed through the same skin incision. Modifier 59 may be necessary if CPT 36625 is performed with an unrelated procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 36625 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 performs arterial catheterization to sample blood from the radial artery for laboratory investigation.
2. An anesthesiologist inserts an arterial catheter into the ulnar artery to continuously monitor a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate during surgery.
3. A nurse performs arterial cannulation to transfuse blood products into the patient’s radial artery.
4. A healthcare provider conducts real-time monitoring of a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate by inserting an arterial catheter into the ulnar artery.
5. An emergency room physician performs arterial catheterization to sample blood from the radial artery for immediate analysis.
6. A cardiologist inserts an arterial catheter into the ulnar artery to monitor a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate during a cardiac procedure.
7. A healthcare provider performs arterial cannulation to transfuse fluids into the patient’s radial artery during a surgical procedure.
8. An anesthesiologist inserts an arterial catheter into the ulnar artery to continuously monitor a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate in the intensive care unit.
9. A nurse performs arterial cannulation to transfuse blood products into the patient’s radial artery during an emergency situation.
10. A healthcare provider conducts real-time monitoring of a patient’s blood pressure and heart rate by inserting an arterial catheter into the ulnar artery in the emergency room.