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Official Description

Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device, requiring 2 catheters via 2 separate venous access sites; without subcutaneous port or pump (eg, Tesio type catheter)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 36565 refers to the procedure of inserting a tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device (CVC) that requires the placement of two catheters through two separate venous access sites. This procedure is performed without the use of a subcutaneous port or pump, such as a Tesio type catheter. A central venous catheter is a long, thin tube that is inserted into a large vein in the body, typically terminating in major veins such as the subclavian, brachiocephalic, or iliac veins, or in the superior or inferior vena cava, or right atrium. The tunneled CVC is specifically designed to be placed through a subcutaneous tunnel, which allows for the catheter to be inserted into veins like the jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, with the jugular vein being the most commonly used access site for these devices. The procedure typically involves the use of local anesthesia at the puncture site and may include imaging guidance to assist in accessing the venous entry site and positioning the catheter tip correctly. The Seldinger technique is commonly employed for this procedure, which involves puncturing the skin and vein with a needle, followed by the insertion of a guidewire. An incision is made to create a subcutaneous tunnel, allowing for the catheter to be advanced into the appropriate vein. The procedure concludes with the catheter being secured and the incision site being closed and dressed appropriately. This code specifically denotes the insertion of two tunneled CVCs without any connection to a subcutaneous port or pump, distinguishing it from similar procedures that may involve such connections.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36565 is indicated for patients requiring long-term venous access for various medical treatments. The following conditions may warrant the insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheters:

  • Long-term intravenous therapy Patients who need extended periods of intravenous medication administration, such as chemotherapy or total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
  • Frequent blood draws Individuals requiring regular blood sampling for laboratory tests may benefit from having a central venous access device to minimize repeated venipunctures.
  • Hemodialysis Patients with renal failure who require hemodialysis may need a central venous catheter for efficient access to the bloodstream.
  • Administration of irritant medications Certain medications that can cause irritation to peripheral veins may necessitate central venous access to reduce complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 36565 involves several detailed steps to ensure the successful placement of two tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheters. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the planned puncture site is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Venous Access Using the Seldinger technique, a needle is inserted into the chosen venous access site, typically the jugular vein. Once the vein is punctured, a guidewire is threaded through the needle and advanced several centimeters into the vein.
  • Step 3: Creating the Tunnel An incision is made in the chest wall to create a subcutaneous tunnel. The introducer sheath and dilator are then advanced over the guidewire, which is subsequently removed, leaving the sheath in place.
  • Step 4: Catheter Insertion The tunneled catheter is advanced through the subcutaneous tunnel to the introducer sheath, and then into the appropriate central vein, such as the brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, superior vena cava, or right atrium.
  • Step 5: Verification The placement of the catheter is confirmed through separately reportable radiographs to ensure it is positioned correctly within the central venous system.
  • Step 6: Securing the Catheter The catheter is secured in place with sutures, and the incision in the chest wall is closed with sutures. A dressing is then applied over the insertion site.
  • Step 7: Second Catheter Placement A second tunneled CVC is placed in the same manner as the first, utilizing a separate venous access site to ensure proper placement and function.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection at the insertion site. Instructions for care of the insertion site, including keeping it clean and dry, are provided. Patients may also be advised on signs of potential complications, such as fever, increased pain, or swelling at the site. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the function of the catheters and to perform any necessary maintenance or dressing changes. The expected recovery time can vary based on the individual patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure.

Short Descr INSERT TUNNELED CV CATH
Medium Descr INSJ TUN VAD REQ 2 CATH 2 SITS W/O SUBQ PORT/PMP
Long Descr Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device, requiring 2 catheters via 2 separate venous access sites; without subcutaneous port or pump (eg, Tesio type catheter)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - 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) P8F - Endoscopy - bronchoscopy
MUE 1
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right 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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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).
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
ET Emergency services
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
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
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
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Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2004-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2004.
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