2025 CPT code 36140
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Vascular Procedures Surgery Feed
Introduction of a needle or intracatheter into an upper or lower extremity artery for injection purposes.
Modifiers may apply, depending on the circumstances of the service provided. Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines for appropriate modifier use.
Medical necessity is established when arterial access is required for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as continuous hemodynamic monitoring, drug delivery directly to the arterial system, or imaging studies that require arterial access.
The physician is responsible for selecting the appropriate artery access site, guiding the needle or catheter to the target area, and ensuring proper placement and function. The physician may also perform any necessary imaging to guide the procedure.
In simple words: A small needle or thin tube is inserted into an artery in your arm or leg to give medicine, fluids, or dye, or to monitor your blood pressure.
This procedure involves the introduction of a needle or intracatheter into an artery in the upper or lower extremity.The needle or catheter is advanced under local anesthesia, and its placement is guided to the target area. The procedure may be used to administer fluids, medications, or contrast material, or it may be used for arterial pressure monitoring.After the catheter is in place, the needle is removed (if applicable). This code is not used for selective catheterization.
Example 1: A patient requires continuous blood pressure monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU). An arterial line is inserted in the radial artery using code 36140., A patient needs contrast injection into a lower extremity artery for an angiogram. Code 36140 is used to report the placement of the catheter before the angiogram., A patient requires medication administration directly into a brachial artery.The insertion of the catheter is billed using 36140, followed by codes representing the medication administration itself.
Detailed documentation should include the artery accessed (e.g., radial, brachial, femoral), the approach (e.g., right or left), the type of needle or catheter used, the reason for the procedure, and any complications or adverse events.Images demonstrating proper catheter placement are also essential.
** This code is for the initial introduction of the needle or catheter only.Any subsequent procedures or injections should be coded separately.The information provided here is for general guidance only.Always consult the most current CPT manual and payer guidelines for the most accurate coding information.
- Revenue Code: I4B (IMAGING/PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information varies based on geographic location, payer, and other factors.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and location.Consult specific fee schedules for historical data.
- Specialties:Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office