How To Use CPT Code 36860

CPT 36860 describes the procedure of external cannula declotting without the use of a balloon catheter. 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 36860?

CPT 36860 can be used to describe the procedure of external cannula declotting without the use of a balloon catheter. This code is used when the provider removes a clot from a cannula that was previously placed, using a solution containing an anticoagulant or thrombolytic medication to dissolve the clot.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36860 is: ‘External cannula declotting (separate procedure); without balloon catheter.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. The provider removes a clot from a cannula that was previously placed.
3. The provider injects a solution containing an anticoagulant or thrombolytic medication into the cannula to dissolve the clot.
4. The provider performs the procedure without using a balloon catheter.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 36860 are those who have a clot in a cannula that was previously placed. The provider must use a solution containing an anticoagulant or thrombolytic medication to dissolve the clot. The procedure is performed without the use of a balloon catheter.

5. When to use CPT code 36860

CPT code 36860 should be used when the provider performs external cannula declotting without the use of a balloon catheter. It should not be used when a balloon catheter is used during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36860, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for external cannula declotting
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an anticoagulant or thrombolytic medication
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional interventions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36860, ensure that the procedure is performed without the use of a balloon catheter. Use the appropriate CPT code if a balloon catheter is used (CPT 36861). Report CPT 36860 separately from other procedures.

8. Historical information

CPT 36860 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 provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient undergoing hemodialysis.
2. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient undergoing extracorporeal circulation.
3. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient who had a shunt inserted.
4. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a vascular access for medical treatment.
5. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a history of clotting disorders.
6. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with compromised blood flow.
7. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a history of thrombosis.
8. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a vascular access infection.
9. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a malfunctioning cannula.
10. A provider performs external cannula declotting without a balloon catheter to remove a clot from a previously placed cannula in a patient with a history of catheter-related complications.