2025 CPT code 36800
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Insertion of cannula for hemodialysis, other purpose (separate procedure); vein to vein.
Modifiers are applicable. Modifier 22 may be applicable for increased procedural services. Modifiers 52 and 53 could apply for reduced or discontinued procedures. Modifier 59 is applicable when performed with unrelated procedures in a different anatomical region.
Medical necessity is established by the patient's underlying condition requiring hemodialysis, such as end-stage renal disease.Documentation should support the need for dialysis and the appropriateness of the vein-to-vein access.
After preparing and anesthetizing the patient, the provider selects a site on the arm or forearm. The area is cleaned, and a needle is inserted into two veins. The cannula is inserted, enabling vein-to-vein access for hemodialysis. The cannula may remain in place for several days.
In simple words: A small tube is inserted into two veins in your arm to allow your blood to flow through a dialysis machine. This machine cleans your blood and returns it to your body. This is a separate procedure from other dialysis-related procedures.
This code describes a procedure where a cannula is inserted into two veins for the purpose of hemodialysis.Hemodialysis is a process where a machine filters a patient's blood to remove waste products, excess salt, and fluid. The cannula allows blood to flow from the patient's veins to the dialysis machine and back.This is considered a separate procedure and is often performed on the arm or forearm.
Example 1: A patient with end-stage renal disease requires hemodialysis and needs a vein-to-vein cannula inserted for vascular access., A patient's arteriovenous fistula or graft is not yet ready for use, and temporary vein-to-vein access is needed for hemodialysis., A patient experiences complications with their existing dialysis access, and a vein-to-vein cannula is placed as a temporary alternative.
Documentation should include the reason for hemodialysis, the site of cannula insertion, the type of cannula used, and any complications during the procedure. Confirmation of appropriate placement and exclusion of pneumothorax by chest x-ray for internal jugular and subclavian catheters is also required.
- Revenue Code: P2F
- Specialties:Nephrology, Interventional Radiology, Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Dialysis Facility