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Official Description

Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy and/or infusion for thrombolysis, dialysis circuit, any method, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation, diagnostic angiography, fluoroscopic guidance, catheter placement(s), and intraprocedural pharmacological thrombolytic injection(s); with transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), peripheral dialysis segment, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the stenting, and all angioplasty within the peripheral dialysis circuit

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36906 involves a specialized intervention aimed at addressing blood clots within the dialysis circuit. This circuit may include components such as a central venous catheter (CVC), an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, or a synthetic AV graft. The primary goal of this procedure is to either dissolve or mechanically remove thrombi that can obstruct blood flow, which is critical for effective dialysis treatment. Thrombosis is particularly prevalent in AV grafts, but can also occur in AV fistulas, leading to significant complications if not addressed promptly. Symptoms indicative of thrombosis in the dialysis circuit may include the absence of a palpable thrill or pulse at the site of the fistula or graft, swelling of the vessel, or a lack of blood flash during needle insertion. To accurately assess the extent of the thrombus, imaging techniques such as ultrasound or duplex Doppler studies may be employed. The procedure encompasses various steps, including the use of thrombolytic agents, mechanical thrombectomy techniques, and the potential placement of stents to ensure the patency of the dialysis circuit. This comprehensive approach is essential for restoring adequate blood flow and maintaining the functionality of the dialysis access site.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36906 is indicated for the treatment of thrombosis within the dialysis circuit. The following conditions may warrant this intervention:

  • Thrombosis in AV Graft: The presence of blood clots obstructing the flow in an arteriovenous graft, which is more susceptible to thrombosis.
  • Thrombosis in AV Fistula: Blood clots that impede blood flow in an arteriovenous fistula, leading to complications in dialysis treatment.
  • Absence of Thrill or Pulse: Clinical signs such as the lack of a palpable thrill or pulse at the site of the fistula or graft, indicating potential thrombosis.
  • Vessel Swelling or Distention: Observable swelling or distention of the vessel, which may suggest the presence of a thrombus.
  • Absence of Blood Flash: Failure to achieve blood flash during needle insertion, which can indicate a blockage in the dialysis circuit.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to effectively address thrombosis in the dialysis circuit:

  • Accessing the AV Fistula: To perform thrombectomy on an AV fistula, needles are strategically placed at both ends of the thrombus. Guidewires are then inserted in a crossed configuration to facilitate access. Following this, crossing sheaths are placed over the guidewires, and the needles are removed. A thrombolytic agent, such as heparin or TPA, is injected into the fistula to dissolve the clot.
  • Mechanical Thrombectomy on AV Fistula: After allowing a prescribed duration for the thrombolytic agent to act, if resistant clot remains, a thrombectomy catheter is introduced over the guidewire to mechanically evacuate the clot.
  • Accessing the AV Graft: For thrombectomy on an AV graft, the procedure begins by accessing the venous segment, followed by the arterial segment. A needle is inserted in a downstream venous direction, and a guidewire is threaded through the clot. The needle is then exchanged for a vascular sheath, through which a thrombolytic agent is injected.
  • Mechanical Thrombectomy on AV Graft: Similar to the AV fistula procedure, after a designated time, if residual clot is present, an embolectomy catheter is inserted over the guidewire to mechanically remove the clot. This process is also repeated on the arterial side of the graft, with the needle directed upstream.
  • Angiography of the Dialysis Circuit: Following the thrombectomy procedures, angiography is performed to visualize any remaining blood clots or vessel stenosis within the dialysis circuit.
  • Balloon Angioplasty: If stenosis is detected, balloon angioplasty may be conducted. A balloon-tipped catheter is inserted over a guidewire through the stenosed area, inflated with dilute radiopaque contrast, and visualized using fluoroscopy. After deflation, the catheter is removed.
  • Stent Placement: If stenosis persists, a vascular catheter with a working channel is threaded over the guidewire, and angiography is repeated to assess for any resistant stenosis. A fine mesh or wire stent is then delivered to the stenosis site through the working channel, expanding to maintain vessel patency.
  • Post-Procedure Care: After stent placement, the catheter is removed, and a purse string suture may be applied to control any bleeding before the vascular sheath is taken out. This comprehensive approach ensures the restoration of adequate blood flow within the dialysis circuit.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the intervention described by CPT® Code 36906 includes monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or infection at the access site. Patients may require follow-up imaging to assess the success of the thrombectomy and stent placement. It is essential to evaluate the patency of the dialysis circuit to ensure that blood flow is restored effectively. Additionally, healthcare providers may need to adjust anticoagulation therapy based on the patient's condition and the specifics of the procedure performed. Continuous assessment of the dialysis access site for signs of thrombosis or stenosis is crucial to prevent future complications.

Short Descr THRMBC/NFS DIALYSIS CIRCUIT
Medium Descr PERQ THRMBC/NFS DIAL CIRCUIT TCAT PLMT IV STENT
Long Descr Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy and/or infusion for thrombolysis, dialysis circuit, any method, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation, diagnostic angiography, fluoroscopic guidance, catheter placement(s), and intraprocedural pharmacological thrombolytic injection(s); with transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), peripheral dialysis segment, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the stenting, and all angioplasty within the peripheral dialysis circuit
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or 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) 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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1

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

36907 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Transluminal balloon angioplasty, central dialysis segment, performed through dialysis circuit, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation required to perform the angioplasty (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
36908 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), central dialysis segment, performed through dialysis circuit, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation required to perform the stenting, and all angioplasty in the central dialysis segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
36909 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Dialysis circuit permanent vascular embolization or occlusion (including main circuit or any accessory veins), endovascular, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to complete the intervention (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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)
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.)
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.)
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
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.
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.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.
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).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2017-01-01 Added Added
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