2025 CPT code 36561
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Cardiovascular Surgery - Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device Surgery Feed
Insertion of a tunneled, centrally inserted central venous access device with a subcutaneous port in patients aged 5 years or older.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For instance, modifier 59 might be necessary to indicate a distinctly separate procedure, or other modifiers as described in the provided text.
The medical necessity for a tunneled central venous access device would be documented by the physician. This would typically include conditions requiring long-term intravenous access, such as chemotherapy, frequent blood draws, or administration of parenteral nutrition. Documentation should justify the choice of tunneled vs. non-tunneled access based on the patient's specific needs and clinical circumstances.
The physician is responsible for performing the insertion of the central venous access device, including creating the subcutaneous tunnel, inserting the catheter into the central vein, and implanting the subcutaneous port.They may also use fluoroscopic guidance.
In simple words: This code represents placing a long, thin tube (catheter) into a large vein near the heart.The tube is inserted under the skin and connected to a small port under the skin for easy access to give medicine or draw blood. This procedure is used in patients 5 years and older. A separate X-ray procedure might be done during this.
This CPT code, 36561, describes the insertion of a tunneled, centrally inserted central venous access device that includes a subcutaneous port.The procedure is performed on patients aged 5 years and older.The catheter's tip must terminate in a central vein such as the subclavian, brachiocephalic (innominate), or iliac veins; superior or inferior vena cava; or the right atrium. The tunneling technique involves creating a subcutaneous pathway between the vein entry and external access sites. This contrasts with peripherally inserted catheters, which have a different entry point.The procedure may involve the use of imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy), which would be billed separately.
Example 1: A 65-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy requires long-term venous access for medication administration. A tunneled central venous catheter with a subcutaneous port (36561) is placed to facilitate convenient and repeated drug infusions., A pediatric patient (age 8) diagnosed with a chronic condition necessitating regular intravenous medication needs a central venous access device.A tunneled central venous access device with a subcutaneous port (36561) is chosen to reduce the frequency of needle sticks and ensure reliable access., A patient requires frequent blood draws for monitoring. A tunneled central venous access device with a subcutaneous port (36561) is placed to provide convenient access for multiple blood draws, minimizing discomfort and potential complications of repeated venipunctures.
Detailed operative report describing the insertion of the tunneled central venous access device, including the location of the insertion site (e.g., subclavian, internal jugular), catheter type and size, length of the tunnel, and placement of the port.Imaging studies (e.g., fluoroscopy images) demonstrating the catheter tip location within the central vein.Patient's age verification.Documentation supporting medical necessity (e.g., diagnosis, treatment plan).
** This code does not include the cost of imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy; these should be reported with separate codes.The choice between 36561 and other similar codes (e.g., 36571) depends on the precise insertion method and catheter type.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier does not apply to this code, as the entire service is provided by the physician.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Interventional Cardiology, Oncology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center