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Official Description

Contrast injection(s) for radiologic evaluation of existing central venous access device, including fluoroscopy, image documentation and report

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36598 involves the use of contrast injection for the radiologic evaluation of an existing central venous access device (CVAD). This evaluation is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning and positioning of the central venous catheter (CVC). The fluoroscopic evaluation aims to confirm that the tip of the CVC is correctly positioned within the vascular system and to assess the integrity of the catheter, checking for any fractures or kinks that may impede its function. The procedure varies slightly depending on whether the CVC is equipped with a subcutaneous port or not. For CVCs without a port, a needle is inserted directly through the catheter hub to access the device. In contrast, for CVCs that include a port or pump, a specialized Huber needle is utilized for access. Once access is achieved, a contrast agent is injected into the catheter, allowing for the acquisition of fluoroscopic images. These images are critical for evaluating the patency of the catheter and identifying any potential leaks along its course. Following the contrast evaluation, the catheter is typically flushed with saline to clear any residual contrast, and an anticoagulant solution is administered to maintain catheter patency and prevent clot formation.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 36598 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Evaluation of Catheter Positioning The procedure is performed to confirm that the tip of the central venous catheter (CVC) is properly positioned within the vascular system.
  • Assessment of Catheter Integrity It is indicated for checking the catheter for any fractures or kinks that may affect its functionality.
  • Investigation of Catheter Patency The procedure is utilized to evaluate the patency of the catheter, ensuring that it is open and functioning as intended.
  • Detection of Leaks It is performed to identify any potential leaks along the course of the catheter that could compromise its use.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 36598 involves several key steps that ensure a thorough evaluation of the central venous access device:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Catheter The first step involves accessing the central venous catheter. For CVCs without a subcutaneous port, a needle is inserted directly through the catheter hub. In cases where the CVC has a port or pump, a Huber needle is used to access the device. This step is critical as it establishes the pathway for the contrast injection.
  • Step 2: Contrast Injection Once access is achieved, a contrast agent is injected into the catheter. This contrast material is essential for enhancing the visibility of the catheter during fluoroscopic imaging, allowing for a detailed assessment of its structure and function.
  • Step 3: Fluoroscopic Imaging Following the contrast injection, fluoroscopic images are obtained. These images capture the position of the catheter tip and provide a visual representation of the catheter's course. The imaging is crucial for evaluating the catheter's patency and identifying any abnormalities, such as leaks or obstructions.
  • Step 4: Flushing the Catheter After the imaging is completed, the catheter is flushed with saline. This step is important to clear any residual contrast material from the catheter, ensuring that it remains patent for future use.
  • Step 5: Administering Anticoagulant Finally, an anticoagulant solution is administered through the catheter. This is a preventive measure to maintain catheter patency and reduce the risk of clot formation within the device.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the evaluation of the central venous access device includes monitoring the catheter site for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. It is also essential to ensure that the catheter remains patent and functional after the flushing and anticoagulant administration. Healthcare providers may provide specific instructions regarding the care of the catheter and any follow-up evaluations that may be necessary. Patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms, such as swelling or pain at the catheter site, which could indicate potential complications.

Short Descr INJ W/FLUOR EVAL CV DEVICE
Medium Descr CNTRST NJX RAD EVAL CTR VAD FLUOR IMG&REPRT
Long Descr Contrast injection(s) for radiologic evaluation of existing central venous access device, including fluoroscopy, image documentation and report
Status Code Injection
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I4B - Imaging/procedure - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques
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
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)
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
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
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
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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