How To Use CPT Code 36680

CPT 36680 describes the placement of a needle into the bone marrow for the purpose of intraosseous infusions. 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 36680?

CPT 36680 can be used to describe the placement of a needle directly into the bone marrow for the purpose of intraosseous infusions. This procedure is performed when intravenous access is difficult to obtain, and it allows for the rapid administration of drugs, fluids, and blood products directly into the blood vessels of the bone marrow.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36680 is: ‘Placement of needle for intraosseous infusion.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider inserts a needle directly into the bone marrow of a bone, typically the tibia or femur.
2. The provider confirms the correct position of the needle by withdrawing a small amount of blood, ensuring that bone marrow is not blocking the needle.
3. Once the correct position is confirmed, the provider uses the needle to infuse fluids, drugs, or blood products directly into the blood vessels of the bone marrow.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36680 is performed when intravenous access is difficult to obtain. It is typically used in emergency situations where rapid administration of drugs, fluids, or blood products is necessary. The procedure is commonly performed through the tibia bone, which is the inner, larger bone of the lower leg.

5. When to use CPT code 36680

CPT code 36680 should be used when the provider needs to place a needle directly into the bone marrow for intraosseous infusions. It is important to note that this code should only be used when intravenous access is difficult to obtain and when the procedure is performed through the tibia or femur bone.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36680, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and the difficulty in obtaining intravenous access
• Specific bone used for the placement of the needle
• Date and time of the procedure
• Confirmation of the correct position of the needle
• Details of the fluids, drugs, or blood products infused
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36680, ensure that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances and is performed through the tibia or femur bone. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 36680 with other codes. However, it is important to accurately document the procedure and provide any necessary supporting documentation for proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 36680 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 CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a patient with severe trauma who requires rapid administration of fluids and medications.
2. During a medical emergency, a provider uses CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of an unconscious patient who is unable to receive intravenous access.
3. In a pediatric setting, a provider performs CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of an infant with a critical illness who requires immediate administration of life-saving medications.
4. During a mass casualty incident, a healthcare provider utilizes CPT 36680 to place needles into the bone marrow of multiple patients who require rapid infusion of fluids and blood products.
5. In a military setting, a provider performs CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a soldier injured in combat, allowing for the administration of medications and fluids in a challenging environment.
6. A healthcare provider uses CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a patient undergoing a complex surgical procedure where intravenous access is limited.
7. During a medical transport, a provider performs CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a critically ill patient who requires continuous administration of medications and fluids during the journey.
8. In an emergency department, a healthcare provider utilizes CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction, ensuring rapid administration of life-saving medications.
9. A provider performs CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a patient with a severe infection who requires immediate administration of antibiotics.
10. During a resuscitation effort, a healthcare provider uses CPT 36680 to place a needle into the bone marrow of a patient in cardiac arrest, allowing for the rapid administration of medications and fluids.