CPT Codes For Central Line Placement | Short & Long Descriptions

Central Line Placement, also known as Central Venous Catheter (CVC) placement, is a procedure where a tube is inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests, and directly obtain cardiovascular measurements. Seven CPT codes describe Central Line Placement procedures according to the CPT manual.

1. CPT Code 36555

Lay-term: CPT code 36555 is used when a healthcare provider places a non-tunneled central line catheter in a patient who is younger than 5 years old.

Long description: Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, younger than 5 years of age.

Short description: Non-tunneled central venous catheter insertion for patients under 5.

2. CPT Code 36556

Lay-term: CPT code 36556 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a non-tunneled central venous catheter in a patient who is 5 years old or older.

Long description: Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, age 5 years or older.

Short description: Non-tunneled central venous catheter insertion for patients 5 and older.

3. CPT Code 36557

Lay-term: CPT code 36557 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a tunneled central venous catheter without a subcutaneous port or pump in a patient who is younger than 5 years old.

Long description: Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump, younger than 5 years of age.

Short description: Tunneled central venous catheter insertion without port or pump for patients under 5.

4. CPT Code 36568

Lay-term: CPT code 36568 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), without a subcutaneous port or pump, without imaging guidance.

Long description: Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), without subcutaneous port or pump, without imaging guidance.

Short description: PICC insertion without port, pump, or imaging.

5. CPT Code 36569

Lay-term: CPT code 36569 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), without a subcutaneous port or pump, with imaging guidance.

Long description: Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), without subcutaneous port or pump, with imaging guidance.

Short description: PICC insertion without port or pump, with imaging.

6. CPT Code 36570

Lay-term: CPT code 36570 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a peripherally inserted central venous access device, with a subcutaneous port in a patient who is younger than 5 years old.

Long description: Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port, younger than 5 years of age.

Short description: Central venous access device insertion with port for patients under 5.

7. CPT Code 36571

Lay-term: CPT code 36571 is used when a healthcare provider inserts a peripherally inserted central venous access device, with a subcutaneous port in a patient who is 5 years old or older.

Long description: Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port, age 5 years or older.

Short description: Central venous access device insertion with port for patients 5 and older.