2025 CPT code 36571

Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port; age 5 years or older.

Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations. For example, modifier 50 would be used for bilateral PICC placement.Other modifiers, such as those for unusual procedural services or discontinued procedures, might also be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.

Medical necessity must be established for this procedure.The documentation should clearly justify the need for long-term intravenous access, explaining why other less invasive options are not suitable. Examples of medical necessity include long-term antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, or other conditions requiring frequent or continuous intravenous infusions.

The physician is responsible for prepping and anesthetizing the patient, making the incisions, inserting the guidewire and catheter, positioning the catheter under imaging guidance, creating the port pocket, connecting the port to the catheter, and closing the incisions with sutures.

IMPORTANT For patients younger than 5, use 36570 for insertion of a PICC with a port.For PICC insertion without a port, refer to codes 36568 (less than 5 years old) and 36569 (5 years and older). For PICC insertion without a port but with imaging guidance, use 36572 (less than 5 years old) or 36573 (5 years and older).

In simple words: This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a PICC line into a vein in the arm. This line is then guided to a large vein near the heart. A small device called a port is placed under the skin, usually on the chest or arm, and connected to the PICC line.This port allows easy access to the bloodstream for giving medications or other treatments over a long period, without needing repeated needle sticks. This procedure is typically used for patients 5 years and older who need ongoing intravenous therapy.

This code describes a procedure where a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) is placed in a patient 5 years or older, along with a subcutaneous port. This is typically done for patients who require long-term intravenous therapy. The catheter is inserted through a vein in the arm or forearm and advanced to the superior vena cava.A separate incision is made to create a pocket for the port, which is placed under the skin and connected to the catheter.

Example 1: A 6-year-old child with a chronic illness requiring long-term intravenous medication receives a PICC with a port for ease of access and to avoid frequent needle sticks. , A 60-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy needs a PICC with a port for repeated infusions of chemotherapy drugs., An adult patient with poor venous access requires a PICC line with a port for long-term antibiotic therapy.

Documentation should include details of the procedure, including the type and size of the catheter and port used, the insertion site, confirmation of the catheter tip location (ideally with imaging), and any complications encountered. The medical necessity for the PICC line and port, such as the type and duration of the intended therapy, should also be documented.

  • Payment Status: unknown
  • Specialties:Interventional radiology, vascular surgery, or other specialties performing central venous access procedures.
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, or physician's office.
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