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Official Description

Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter; age 5 years or older

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter (CVC) is a medical device that is inserted into a large vein to provide access to the central venous system. This procedure is specifically indicated for patients aged 5 years or older. The catheter is designed to terminate in major veins such as the subclavian, brachiocephalic, or iliac veins, as well as the superior or inferior vena cava, or the right atrium. The insertion of a non-tunneled CVC involves placing the catheter directly into a vein, which can be accessed through the jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins, or the inferior vena cava. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort at the puncture site. There are two primary techniques for the insertion of the catheter: the peel-away cannula technique and the Seldinger technique. The peel-away technique involves inserting a cannula with a stylet into the selected vein, removing the stylet, and then advancing the catheter into the vein. The Seldinger technique, on the other hand, requires puncturing the skin and vein with a needle, inserting a guidewire, and then using an introducer sheath to place the catheter. To confirm proper placement of the catheter, imaging guidance may be utilized, and the position of the catheter tip is verified through radiographs. Once the catheter is correctly positioned, it is secured with sutures, and a dressing is applied to the insertion site to protect it and promote healing. This procedure is essential for various medical treatments, including medication administration, fluid resuscitation, and blood sampling, making it a critical component of patient care in a hospital setting.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The insertion of a non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter (CVC) is indicated for various clinical situations where central venous access is required. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Administration of Medications This procedure is often performed to facilitate the administration of intravenous medications, including chemotherapy, antibiotics, and other critical drugs that require central access.
  • Fluid Resuscitation In cases of severe dehydration or shock, a CVC allows for rapid fluid resuscitation, ensuring that large volumes of fluids can be administered efficiently.
  • Blood Sampling A CVC provides a reliable route for obtaining blood samples for laboratory testing, especially in patients who may have difficult venous access.
  • Parenteral Nutrition Patients requiring long-term nutritional support may need a CVC for the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
  • Hemodialysis Access In certain cases, a CVC may be used for temporary access in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

2. Procedure

The procedure for inserting a non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter involves several critical steps to ensure proper placement and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the planned puncture site is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia is administered at the site to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Vein Access The clinician selects the appropriate vein for catheter insertion, which may include the jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein. Using either the peel-away cannula technique or the Seldinger technique, the vein is accessed. In the peel-away technique, a cannula with a stylet is inserted into the vein, and the stylet is then removed.
  • Step 3: Catheter Advancement After accessing the vein, the catheter is advanced through the cannula into the central venous system, specifically targeting the brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, superior vena cava, or right atrium, or the iliac vein or inferior vena cava, depending on the chosen access site.
  • Step 4: Guidewire Insertion (Seldinger Technique) If the Seldinger technique is used, the skin and vein are punctured with a needle, and a guidewire is inserted through the needle and advanced several centimeters into the vein. The introducer sheath and dilator are then advanced over the guidewire, after which both the guidewire and dilator are removed.
  • Step 5: Final Catheter Placement The catheter is then advanced through the introducer sheath and positioned in the appropriate central vein. Proper placement is confirmed through imaging guidance, which may involve radiographs to ensure the catheter tip is in the correct location.
  • Step 6: Securing the Catheter Once the catheter is correctly positioned, it is secured with sutures to prevent movement, and a sterile dressing is applied over the insertion site to protect it from infection and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the insertion of a non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding, infection, or catheter misplacement. The insertion site should be kept clean and dry, and the dressing should be changed according to facility protocols. Patients may require follow-up imaging to confirm the catheter's position and function. Education on care and maintenance of the catheter, including signs of infection or complications, is essential for the patient and caregivers. Regular assessments of the catheter's patency and function are also necessary to ensure its effectiveness for the intended therapeutic purposes.

Short Descr INSERT NON-TUNNEL CV CATH
Medium Descr INSJ NON-TUNNELED CENTRAL VENOUS CATH AGE 5 YR/>
Long Descr Insertion of non-tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter; age 5 years or older
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 54 - Other vascular catheterization, not heart

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

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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.
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.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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.)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
AG Primary physician
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).
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.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
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).
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AF Specialty physician
AI Principal physician of record
AM Physician, team member service
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CA Procedure payable only in the inpatient setting when performed emergently on an outpatient who expires prior to admission
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
ER Items and services furnished by a provider-based, off-campus emergency department
ET Emergency services
FP Service provided as part of family planning program
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
FT Unrelated evaluation and management (e/m) visit on the same day as another e/m visit or during a global procedure (preoperative, postoperative period, or on the same day as the procedure, as applicable). (report when an e/m visit is furnished within the global period but is unrelated, or when one or more additional e/m visits furnished on the same day are unrelated)
GF Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
K4 Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 4 - has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds the basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels, typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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
Q9 One class b and two class c findings
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
QL Patient pronounced dead after ambulance called
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
ST Related to trauma or injury
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
U7 Medicaid level of care 7, as defined by each state
UA Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
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2004-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2004.
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