Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port; age 5 years or older

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 36571 refers to the procedure of inserting a peripherally inserted central venous access device (PICC) that includes a subcutaneous port for patients aged 5 years or older. This device is designed to provide long-term venous access for patients who require frequent blood draws, medication administration, or other intravenous therapies. The procedure involves the placement of a port beneath the skin, which is connected to a catheter that is inserted into a peripheral vein and advanced into the superior vena cava, allowing for efficient and reliable access to the central venous system. The use of ultrasound may be employed to locate a suitable large vein in the arm, typically one of the deeper veins such as the basilic, cephalic, or brachial vein, which are ideal for catheter insertion. The procedure is performed using a sterile technique to minimize the risk of infection and ensure patient safety.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The insertion of a peripherally inserted central venous access device with a subcutaneous port, as described by CPT® Code 36571, is indicated for patients who require long-term venous access for various medical treatments. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Long-term intravenous therapy Patients needing extended courses of antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other intravenous medications.
  • Frequent blood draws Individuals requiring regular blood sampling for laboratory tests or monitoring.
  • Fluid administration Patients who need consistent fluid replacement or nutritional support through intravenous means.

2. Procedure

The procedure for inserting a peripherally inserted central venous access device with a subcutaneous port involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Vein Selection The procedure begins with the identification of a suitable large vein in the arm, typically using ultrasound guidance. The basilic, cephalic, or brachial veins are commonly selected due to their depth and size, which facilitate the insertion of the catheter.
  • Step 2: Incision and Exposure Once the vein is located, the planned catheter insertion site is incised, and the selected vein is carefully exposed to allow for access.
  • Step 3: Vein Puncture Utilizing the Seldinger technique, a needle is used to puncture the vein. This technique is essential for minimizing complications during the insertion process.
  • Step 4: Guidewire Insertion A guidewire is then inserted through the needle and advanced several centimeters into the vein, providing a pathway for the subsequent catheter.
  • Step 5: Introducer Sheath Placement An introducer sheath and dilator are advanced over the guidewire, allowing for the safe passage of the catheter. After this step, both the guidewire and dilator are removed.
  • Step 6: Catheter Advancement The catheter is advanced through the introducer sheath and into the brachiocephalic vein, subclavian vein, or superior vena cava, ensuring proper placement for optimal function.
  • Step 7: Radiographic Confirmation Radiographs are obtained to check the placement of the catheter, ensuring it is correctly positioned within the central venous system.
  • Step 8: Catheter Anchoring The catheter is anchored securely in the subcutaneous tissue to prevent dislodgement and ensure stability.
  • Step 9: Port Placement A subcutaneous pocket is created for the port, and the catheter is tunneled to connect with the port. This connection is crucial for the functionality of the device.
  • Step 10: Closure The incision over the venous access site is closed, and the port is sutured into place. Finally, the pocket is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the insertion of the peripherally inserted central venous access device with a subcutaneous port, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Instructions for care of the insertion site and port are provided to ensure proper healing and function. Patients may be advised on how to recognize signs of complications, such as redness, swelling, or unusual pain at the site. Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled to assess the device's function and to perform any necessary maintenance or adjustments.

Short Descr INSERT PICVAD CATH
Medium Descr INSJ PRPH CTR VAD W/SUBQ PORT AGE 5 YR/>
Long Descr Insertion of peripherally inserted central venous access device, with subcutaneous port; age 5 years or older
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 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)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
AG Primary physician
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2004-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2004.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"