How To Use CPT Code 36640

CPT 36640 describes the procedure of arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 36640?

CPT 36640 is used to describe the procedure of arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy. It involves making an incision in the skin to locate the artery, dissecting the tissue around the artery to access it, and then inserting a catheter into the artery. The catheter is used for the purpose of administering chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36640 is: ‘Arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy (chemotherapy), cutdown.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin to locate the artery, such as the radial artery.
3. The provider dissects the tissue around the artery to access it.
4. A needle is inserted to puncture the artery, and a catheter or cannula is inserted through the needle.
5. The catheter is positioned appropriately, and the needle is removed.
6. The provider administers chemotherapy drugs through the catheter directly into the circulation.
7. Once the infusion is complete, the provider removes the catheter and sutures the artery.
8. The soft tissue is then sutured in layers to close the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36640 is performed on patients who require prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy. The procedure is used when it is necessary to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation through an arterial catheter. The provider must make an incision in the skin to locate the artery and insert a catheter for this purpose.

5. When to use CPT code 36640

CPT code 36640 should be used when performing arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy. It is appropriate when the provider needs to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation through an arterial catheter. This code should not be used for other purposes or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36640, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for prolonged infusion therapy
• Specific details of the procedure, including the location of the artery accessed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the chemotherapy drugs administered
• Confirmation of the catheter placement and removal
• Details of the wound closure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36640, ensure that the procedure performed is arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy. Use this code only for the described procedure and not for other purposes. It is important to follow the appropriate coding guidelines and ensure accurate documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 36640 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy, on a patient with lung cancer.
2. An oncologist inserts an arterial catheter for prolonged infusion therapy to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation of a patient with breast cancer.
3. A surgeon performs arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy, on a patient with lymphoma.
4. A healthcare provider uses arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation of a patient with leukemia.
5. An interventional radiologist performs arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy, on a patient with pancreatic cancer.
6. A healthcare provider inserts an arterial catheter for prolonged infusion therapy to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation of a patient with colorectal cancer.
7. A surgeon performs arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy, on a patient with ovarian cancer.
8. An oncologist uses arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation of a patient with prostate cancer.
9. A healthcare provider inserts an arterial catheter for prolonged infusion therapy, specifically for chemotherapy, on a patient with liver cancer.
10. An interventional radiologist performs arterial catheterization for prolonged infusion therapy to administer chemotherapy drugs directly into the circulation of a patient with brain cancer.