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Official Description

Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device, requiring 2 catheters via 2 separate venous access sites; with subcutaneous port(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36566 involves the insertion of two tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheters (CVCs) that are connected to subcutaneous ports. This complex procedure is performed through two separate venous access sites, typically utilizing the jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins. The primary purpose of this procedure is to establish long-term venous access for patients who require frequent intravenous therapy, such as chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, or other treatments that necessitate reliable venous access. A tunneled CVC is designed to remain in place for an extended period, providing a stable route for medication administration and blood sampling. The catheters are inserted using a technique that minimizes trauma to the veins and surrounding tissues, ensuring patient safety and comfort. The use of local anesthesia at the puncture site helps to reduce discomfort during the procedure. The placement of the catheters is confirmed through imaging techniques, ensuring that they are positioned correctly within the central venous system. The addition of subcutaneous ports allows for easier access to the catheters, as the ports can be accessed through the skin without the need for repeated venipuncture, thus enhancing patient convenience and compliance with treatment regimens.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36566 is indicated for patients requiring long-term venous access for various medical treatments. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Chemotherapy Patients undergoing chemotherapy often require reliable venous access for the administration of cytotoxic drugs.
  • Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Individuals who cannot obtain adequate nutrition through oral or enteral routes may need TPN, necessitating long-term venous access.
  • Frequent Blood Sampling Patients requiring regular blood draws for monitoring conditions may benefit from a CVC to minimize repeated venipunctures.
  • Long-term Antibiotic Therapy Patients with chronic infections may require extended courses of intravenous antibiotics, making a tunneled CVC advantageous.

2. Procedure

The procedure for inserting two tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheters (CVCs) with subcutaneous ports involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Venous Access The procedure begins with the selection of two separate venous access sites, typically the jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins. Local anesthesia is administered at the planned puncture site to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Catheter Insertion Using the Seldinger technique, a needle is inserted into the chosen vein, followed by the advancement of a guidewire through the needle. The needle is then removed, leaving the guidewire in place. An incision is made in the chest wall, and a subcutaneous tunnel is created to facilitate the placement of the catheter.
  • Step 3: Introducer Sheath Placement An introducer sheath and dilator are advanced over the guidewire into the vein. Once positioned, the guidewire and dilator are removed, allowing for the catheter to be advanced through the tunnel and into the introducer sheath.
  • Step 4: Catheter Positioning The catheter is carefully advanced into the central venous system, terminating in the brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, superior vena cava, or right atrium. Proper placement is confirmed through separately reportable radiographs.
  • Step 5: 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 applied over the insertion site to protect it from infection.
  • Step 6: Second Catheter Insertion A second tunneled CVC is placed using the same technique via a separate venous access site, ensuring that both catheters are properly positioned and secured.
  • Step 7: Port Placement After the catheters are in place, a subcutaneous pocket is created for the port. A subcutaneous tunnel is formed from the venous access site to the pocket, allowing for the connection of the catheter to the port. The port is then placed in the subcutaneous pocket, and the incision over the venous access site is closed.
  • Step 8: Finalizing the Procedure The port is sutured into place, and the pocket is closed. The second catheter and port are placed in the same manner, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection at the insertion sites. Patients are typically advised on how to care for the insertion sites and the ports, including keeping the area clean and dry. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the function of the catheters and ports, as well as to provide any necessary maintenance or adjustments. Patients should be educated on signs of potential complications, such as fever, redness, or swelling at the site, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur. Regular monitoring and care are essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the tunneled CVCs and ports.

Short Descr INSERT TUNNELED CV CATH
Medium Descr INSJ TUN VAD REQ 2 CATH 2 SITS W/SUBQ PORT
Long Descr Insertion of tunneled centrally inserted central venous access device, requiring 2 catheters via 2 separate venous access sites; with subcutaneous port(s)
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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
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)
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
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
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
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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