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The CPT® Code 36400 refers to the procedure of venipuncture performed on patients younger than 3 years of age, which requires the specialized skills of a physician or another qualified healthcare professional. This code is specifically designated for instances where routine venipuncture is not applicable, particularly when accessing more challenging veins such as the femoral or jugular vein. In infants and young children, common sites for venipuncture include the scalp, external jugular, femoral, saphenous, dorsal veins of the hand, or the dorsal arch of the foot. The procedure necessitates careful consideration of the site selection, ensuring that the most appropriate vein is chosen based on the individual patient's anatomy and condition. Prior to the procedure, it is essential to document the circumstances that require the expertise of a qualified professional and to obtain the necessary consent from the parent or guardian. The selected site must be prepared to ensure sterile entry, and once the vein is punctured, blood samples are collected for laboratory studies that can be reported separately. It is important to note that this code should not be used for routine venipuncture, as it is specifically intended for more complex cases involving younger patients.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 36400 is indicated in specific circumstances where venipuncture is necessary for patients younger than 3 years of age. The following conditions may warrant the use of this code:
The procedure for CPT® Code 36400 involves several critical steps to ensure successful venipuncture in young patients. Each step is essential for both the safety of the patient and the accuracy of the blood sample collected.
After the venipuncture procedure is completed, the healthcare professional must provide appropriate post-procedure care. This includes applying pressure to the puncture site to minimize bleeding and placing a bandage over the area to protect it. The patient should be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. Additionally, parents or guardians should be informed about care instructions for the puncture site and advised on what symptoms to watch for in the hours following the procedure. Follow-up may be necessary to discuss laboratory results and any further medical actions required based on those results.
| Short Descr | VNPNXR<3YRS PHY/QHP FEM/JUG | Medium Descr | VNPNXR <3 YEARS PHY/QHP SKILL FEMORAL/JUGULAR VN | Long Descr | Venipuncture, younger than age 3 years, necessitating the skill of a physician or other qualified health care professional, not to be used for routine venipuncture; femoral or jugular vein | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | 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) | P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 231 - Other therapeutic procedures |
| 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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