Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Selective catheter placement, arterial system; initial second order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, within a vascular family

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A selective catheter placement procedure involves the introduction of a catheter into a specific branch of the arterial system, particularly targeting the thoracic or brachiocephalic branches. This procedure is categorized as an initial second-order placement within a vascular family, indicating that the catheter is advanced beyond the first-order branches. The process typically begins with the insertion of a catheter into an extremity artery, with the femoral artery being the preferred access point, although access can also be achieved through an upper extremity artery. A small incision is made at the chosen site to facilitate the placement of an introducer sheath, which allows for the safe passage of a guidewire into the arterial system. The guidewire is then navigated through the femoral and iliac arteries into the aorta, where the catheter is subsequently advanced. The physician carefully maneuvers the catheter over the guidewire into the first-order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, and continues to selectively advance it into higher-order branches as necessary. This meticulous process ensures that the catheter reaches the highest-order branch that requires evaluation. Following the placement, the guidewire is removed, and the physician may perform an injection of medication or radiopaque contrast media to facilitate imaging or treatment. This procedure is essential for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within the vascular system.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The selective catheter placement procedure is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed evaluation or intervention within the thoracic or brachiocephalic branches of the arterial system is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Evaluation of Vascular Pathologies This procedure is performed to assess abnormalities such as stenosis, occlusions, or aneurysms within the thoracic or brachiocephalic branches.
  • Diagnostic Imaging It is indicated for obtaining images of the vascular structures to aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Interventional Procedures The procedure may be necessary for therapeutic interventions, such as angioplasty or stent placement, within the targeted vascular branches.

2. Procedure

The selective catheter placement procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate positioning within the arterial system. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Access Site Preparation The procedure begins with the selection of an appropriate access site, typically the femoral artery, although an upper extremity artery may also be utilized. A small skin incision is made at the chosen site to facilitate access to the artery.
  • Step 2: Introducer Sheath Placement An introducer sheath is then placed into the artery through the incision. This sheath serves as a conduit for the guidewire and catheter, ensuring a secure and controlled entry into the vascular system.
  • Step 3: Guidewire Insertion A guidewire is inserted through the introducer sheath and advanced through the femoral and iliac arteries into the aorta. This step is crucial for navigating the vascular system.
  • Step 4: Catheter Advancement Once the guidewire is in place, a catheter is advanced over the guidewire into the aorta. The physician carefully manipulates the catheter to ensure it reaches the desired location.
  • Step 5: Selective Advancement The physician continues to selectively advance the guidewire and catheter into the first-order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch off the aorta. This step may involve navigating through higher-order branches (second, third, and beyond) until the catheter is positioned in the highest-order branch that requires evaluation.
  • Step 6: Guidewire Removal After the catheter is successfully placed, the guidewire is removed, leaving the catheter in position for further procedures or imaging.
  • Step 7: Injection of Contrast Media Finally, the physician may perform an injection of medication and/or radiopaque contrast media as needed to facilitate imaging or treatment within the vascular branches.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications related to the catheter placement. Patients are typically observed for signs of bleeding or hematoma at the access site. Depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure, further imaging studies may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and management of any underlying conditions.

Short Descr PLACE CATHETER IN ARTERY
Medium Descr SLCTV CATHJ 1ST 2ND ORD THRC/BRCH/CPHLC BRNCH
Long Descr Selective catheter placement, arterial system; initial second order thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, within a vascular family
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 4
CCS Clinical Classification 54 - Other vascular catheterization, not heart

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

36218 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Selective catheter placement, arterial system; additional second order, third order, and beyond, thoracic or brachiocephalic branch, within a vascular family (List in addition to code for initial second or third order vessel as appropriate)
37252 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; initial noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37253 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; each additional noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"