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Official Description

Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent extremity vein(s) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat chronic venous insufficiency, a condition often characterized by symptoms such as pain, skin pigment changes, inflammation, induration, and ulcerations. This therapy utilizes a transcatheter delivery method to administer a chemical adhesive, such as cyanoacrylate, to the affected veins. The procedure is performed remote from the access site, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and precise. The chemical adhesive works by forming a polymer upon contact with blood, which leads to changes in the vascular intima and ultimately results in fibrosis of the targeted vessel. This process effectively closes off the incompetent vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier veins and alleviating the symptoms associated with venous insufficiency. Prior to the procedure, the affected extremity veins are meticulously mapped using venous duplex imaging, allowing for a tailored treatment plan. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and with the aid of ultrasound guidance, ensuring accurate access to the target veins and optimal outcomes for the patient.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein is indicated for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, which may present with the following symptoms and conditions:

  • Pain - Patients may experience discomfort or pain in the affected extremity due to venous insufficiency.
  • Skin Pigment Changes - Alterations in skin color may occur as a result of venous stasis and poor circulation.
  • Inflammation - The affected veins may become inflamed, contributing to further complications.
  • Induration - Hardening of the skin or tissue may develop in the area surrounding the incompetent veins.
  • Ulcerations - Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to the formation of venous ulcers, which are painful and difficult to heal.

2. Procedure

The procedure for endovenous ablation therapy involves several detailed steps to ensure effective treatment of the incompetent vein:

  • Mapping the Veins - The procedure begins with the careful mapping of the affected extremity veins using venous duplex imaging. This imaging technique allows the physician to visualize the veins and establish a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific condition.
  • Preparation and Anesthesia - Once the treatment plan is established, the extremity is prepped and draped in a sterile manner. Local anesthetic is then injected at the catheter access site to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Accessing the Vein - Under ultrasound guidance, the target vein is identified. A guidewire insertion needle is used to access the vein, followed by the advancement of a micro access guidewire into the vein. The insertion needle is then removed, allowing for the next steps in the procedure.
  • Advancing the Sheath - A micro access sheath-dilator is advanced over the guidewire into the vein, and the guidewire is subsequently removed. A J-wire is then advanced through the sheath to the lumen of the vein, positioning it at the targeted treatment area, which is verified using ultrasound imaging.
  • Introducing the Adhesive Kit - The sheath is removed, and the introducer-dilator from the adhesive kit is advanced over the J-wire to the targeted treatment area. After the J-wire and dilator are removed, the introducer is flushed with saline to prepare for the adhesive application.
  • Injecting the Adhesive - The chemical adhesive is drawn into a syringe, which is then attached to the catheter and loaded into the dispenser. The catheter is primed with the adhesive, and the ultrasound probe is positioned above the tip of the catheter. The vein is compressed, and the adhesive is injected via the dispenser. The catheter is pulled back at measured intervals while the adhesive is injected along the length of the vein, using the ultrasound probe to compress and close the vessel effectively.
  • Completion of the Procedure - After the adhesive has been injected and the vein is closed, the catheter is removed. A bandage is then applied to the access wound to promote healing and protect the site.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications and ensuring proper healing of the access site. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period and to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential side effects. It is essential to provide instructions on wound care and signs of complications that should prompt immediate medical attention.

Short Descr ENDOVEN THER CHEM ADHES SBSQ
Medium Descr ENDOVEN ABLTI THER CHEM ADHESIVE SBSQ VEIN
Long Descr Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; subsequent vein(s) treated in a single extremity, each through separate access sites (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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) none
MUE 2

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

36482 Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC P3 Endovenous ablation therapy of incompetent vein, extremity, by transcatheter delivery of a chemical adhesive (eg, cyanoacrylate) remote from the access site, inclusive of all imaging guidance and monitoring, percutaneous; first vein treated
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.
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.)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
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Notes
2018-01-01 Added Code Added.
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