2025 CPT code 36100
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Vascular Surgery - Intra-arterial and intra-aortic Introduction Procedures Surgery Feed
Introduction of a catheter into a carotid or vertebral artery via direct puncture for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service provided.Consult the CPT manual for specific modifier usage guidance.
Medical necessity for code 36100 is established by the presence of symptoms or findings suggestive of vascular pathology in the carotid or vertebral arteries requiring diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.The specific clinical indications will vary depending on the patient's presentation and the physician's clinical judgment.
The physician is responsible for selecting the appropriate artery for access, inserting and manipulating the catheter to the target site, injecting contrast, interpreting the results, and managing any complications.The physician may delegate some tasks to other qualified personnel such as nurses or technicians, however remains ultimately responsible for the patient's care.
In simple words: The doctor inserts a thin tube into an artery in the neck to check for problems or to treat a condition. This involves a small needle prick, a special dye to make the artery visible on x-ray, and may need a small cut to be made.
This CPT code encompasses the introduction of a catheter into a carotid or vertebral artery using direct puncture.The procedure includes necessary local anesthesia, needle or catheter insertion, injection of contrast media (with or without automatic power injection), and related pre- and post-injection care.The procedure is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and may involve the use of guide wires and fluoroscopy.
Example 1: A patient presents with suspected carotid artery stenosis.The physician performs a carotid angiogram via direct puncture, using code 36100 to bill for the introduction of the catheter into the artery and subsequent injection of contrast.Additional codes are needed if further selective catheterization is performed., A patient experiences acute ischemic stroke.The physician immediately performs a cerebral angiogram via femoral artery access and utilizes 36100 to bill for the initial introduction of the catheter into the femoral artery, followed by additional CPT codes to reflect the specific selective catheterizations involved in visualizing the cerebral vasculature., A patient has a suspected vertebral artery dissection. The physician performs a vertebral angiogram via direct puncture of the vertebral artery, using 36100 to document the introduction of the catheter and subsequent visualization of the vertebral artery, including the injection of contrast media.
* Pre-procedure assessment and consent.* Detailed description of the approach (e.g., right or left carotid artery, vertebral artery).* Type and amount of contrast media used.* Description of any complications encountered.* Post-procedure instructions given to the patient.* Imaging documentation (angiograms).
** This code should only be used when the catheter is introduced directly into the target artery by direct puncture.If the catheter is advanced from another location, additional codes may be needed.
- Revenue Code: I4B (IMAGING/PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Refer to current CMS fee schedule for RVUs and payment rates.These values vary based on geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this code does not describe a surgical procedure with a global period.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Refer to historical CPT fee schedules for past reimbursement rates.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Neurology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center