2025 CPT code 36005
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Injection procedure for extremity venography (including introduction of needle or intracatheter).
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as modifier 52 (Reduced services) if the procedure is not completed as intended, or modifier 76 (Repeat procedure by same physician) if the venography is repeated. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established for the venography procedure. This is typically based on the patient's signs and symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or skin changes in the extremity, or other clinical findings suggestive of a venous disorder.Prior diagnostic test results or other clinical indications that support the need for the procedure should also be documented.
The physician is responsible for sterilizing the injection site, administering local anesthesia if necessary, inserting the needle or intracatheter into the appropriate vein, injecting the contrast material, and providing any necessary pre- and post-injection care related to the procedure.They may also use a tourniquet to control blood flow and contrast dispersion.
In simple words: The doctor injects a special dye into a vein in your arm or leg to take X-ray pictures of your veins.This helps them see if there are any problems like blood clots or other blockages.
This code describes a procedure where a contrast agent is injected into a vein in an extremity (arm or leg) to enable imaging of the veins, a procedure known as venography.This includes the insertion of a needle or a small catheter within a sheath (intracatheter) into the vein for the purpose of injecting the contrast material.The procedure is typically used to diagnose venous disorders such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or other abnormalities in the veins of the extremities.
Example 1: A patient presents with swelling and pain in their lower leg, raising suspicion for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Code 36005 is used when the physician performs venography of the leg to confirm or rule out DVT., A patient with a history of venous insufficiency experiences worsening leg pain and ulceration. Venography, using 36005, is performed to evaluate the venous system for blockages or abnormalities that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms and to plan treatment., Prior to a surgical procedure requiring venous access, the physician performs venography (36005) to map the veins and select the best location for catheter placement, ensuring safe and effective venous access during the surgery.
Documentation should include details of the procedure, including the site of injection, the type of contrast material used, any complications encountered, and the results of the venography. The medical necessity for the venography, such as signs, symptoms, and prior diagnostic test results, should also be documented.If a tourniquet was used, this should also be noted.
** While CPT code 36005 includes the introduction of a needle or intracatheter, it is specifically for the purpose of injecting contrast for venography. It would not be appropriate to bill this code separately if a venous catheter is placed for other reasons, such as administering medication or drawing blood.Always consult the most up-to-date CPT and NCCI guidelines for accurate coding and billing practices.
- Specialties:Vascular surgery, interventional radiology, cardiology, and other specialties that manage venous disorders may utilize this code.
- Place of Service:Office, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, and other locations where diagnostic imaging procedures are performed.