2025 CPT code 36468
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Injection(s) of sclerosing solution for spider veins (telangiectasia) in limbs or trunk.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 22 for increased procedural services, 51 for multiple procedures on the same day, 59 for distinct procedural services).
Medical necessity for 36468 is established when the patient presents with symptomatic or cosmetically undesirable telangiectasias.The procedure must be deemed appropriate by the physician based on patient assessment and medical history.There should be no contraindications, such as active infection or bleeding disorders.
The physician is responsible for patient assessment, injection technique, selection of appropriate sclerosant, and post-procedure care including monitoring for complications.They should also ensure appropriate documentation is maintained.
In simple words: The doctor injects a special solution into spider veins (tiny, visible veins) in your arms, legs, or torso to make them disappear. This involves a small needle and a solution that closes the veins.The doctor may also apply pressure afterward to stop any bleeding.The procedure is usually done in one session, even if many injections are needed.
This CPT code encompasses the injection(s) of a sclerosing solution to treat spider veins (telangiectasia) located in the limbs or trunk.The procedure involves the introduction of a sclerosant into the affected vein(s), causing the vein walls to collapse and subsequently obliterating the vein. The code includes necessary local anesthesia, needle or catheter insertion, injection of the sclerosing agent, and related pre- and post-injection care.Ultrasound guidance, if used, is reported separately (76942). This code is reported only once per extremity per session, regardless of the number of injections.Do not report this code with 29520, 29530, 29540, 29550, 29580, 29581, 29584 for the same extremity, nor with 37241 in the same surgical field.
Example 1: A patient presents with multiple spider veins on their right leg. The physician performs sclerotherapy using 36468, injecting multiple areas. This is documented thoroughly with pre and post injection images., A patient with spider veins on both legs undergoes sclerotherapy.The physician codes 36468 once for each leg.Appropriate documentation includes a description of the veins treated in each leg., A patient with a history of superficial thrombophlebitis presents with residual telangiectasias.The physician performs sclerotherapy after carefully assessing the patient's clotting profile and ensuring no contraindications. The procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance (76942 - reported separately).
Complete medical history, including any bleeding disorders or contraindications to sclerotherapy.Detailed description of the location and number of veins treated per extremity. Images (before and after) of the treated veins.Note of any complications or adverse events.Specific type of sclerosing agent used and the volume injected.Patient education and post-procedure instructions given.
** All necessary supplies and equipment for the procedure are included in the code when performed in the office setting. Application of compression dressing(s) is also included and should not be billed separately.The use of compounded foam sclerosants is not covered by this code (36465, 36466 are for non-compounded foam sclerosants).
- Revenue Code: P6A (Minor Procedures - Skin)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Phlebology, Vascular Surgery, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center