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Official Description

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)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 36909 refers to the procedure of permanent vascular embolization or occlusion of the dialysis circuit, which includes both the main circuit and any accessory veins. This endovascular intervention is specifically designed to address various complications associated with dialysis, such as dialysis-related steal syndrome, critical hand ischemia, venous aneurysm, central venous occlusion syndrome that cannot be treated through endovascular recanalization, and hyperdynamic heart failure. The procedure begins with accessing the dialysis circuit using a needle, through which a guidewire is introduced into the vessel. Following this, a vascular sheath is placed to facilitate the introduction of a catheter. The use of contrast dye allows for the visualization of the target area within the dialysis circuit or accessory veins via fluoroscopy. An embolization agent, which may include materials such as gelfoam, particulate agents, liquid sclerosing agents, or liquid glue, or an occlusion device like a metallic plug or coil, is then delivered to the targeted site through the catheter. After the embolization or occlusion is performed, post-procedure angiography is conducted to confirm the success of the intervention. The catheter is subsequently removed, and a purse string suture may be applied to manage any bleeding before the vascular sheath is taken out. It is important to note that CPT® Code 36909 encompasses all necessary imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation required to complete the procedure and is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36909 is indicated for several specific conditions related to the dialysis circuit. These include:

  • Dialysis-related steal syndrome - A condition where blood flow is diverted away from the hand or arm due to the presence of a dialysis access, leading to ischemia.
  • Critical hand ischemia - A severe reduction in blood flow to the hand, which can result in pain and tissue damage.
  • Venous aneurysm - An abnormal dilation of a vein that can lead to complications if not addressed.
  • Central venous occlusion syndrome - A blockage in the central veins that is not amenable to endovascular recanalization, necessitating alternative interventions.
  • Hyperdynamic heart failure - A condition characterized by an increased cardiac output that can be exacerbated by dialysis access issues.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 36909 involves several critical steps to ensure successful vascular embolization or occlusion:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Dialysis Circuit - The procedure begins with the clinician accessing the dialysis circuit using a needle. This initial step is crucial as it allows for the introduction of a guidewire into the vessel, which is essential for subsequent steps.
  • Step 2: Placement of Vascular Sheath - Once the guidewire is in place, a vascular sheath is inserted to replace the needle. This sheath serves as a conduit for the catheter, facilitating easier access to the vascular system.
  • Step 3: Introduction of Catheter - A catheter is then introduced through the vascular sheath. This catheter is used to deliver the embolization agent or occlusion device to the target area.
  • Step 4: Imaging with Contrast Dye - Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, allowing for the visualization of the target area within the dialysis circuit or accessory veins using fluoroscopy. This imaging is critical for accurately identifying the site for embolization or occlusion.
  • Step 5: Delivery of Embolization Agent or Occlusion Device - The clinician then delivers an embolization agent, which may include gelfoam, particulate agents, liquid sclerosing agents, or liquid glue, or an occlusion device such as a metallic plug or coil to the targeted area through the catheter.
  • Step 6: Post-Procedure Angiography - After the embolization or occlusion is completed, post-procedure angiography is performed to verify the success of the intervention, ensuring that the targeted area has been effectively treated.
  • Step 7: Catheter Removal and Suture Placement - The catheter is then removed, and a purse string suture may be placed to control any bleeding that may occur at the access site before the vascular sheath is finally removed.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure coded by CPT® Code 36909, patients may require monitoring for any complications, such as bleeding or infection at the access site. The clinician may provide specific post-procedure care instructions, which could include recommendations for activity restrictions and signs of complications to watch for. The recovery process will vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure performed. It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that patients understand the importance of follow-up appointments to assess the success of the embolization or occlusion and to manage any ongoing dialysis-related issues.

Short Descr DIALYSIS CIRCUIT EMBOLJ
Medium Descr DIALYIS CIRCUIT VASC EMBOLI OCCLS EVASC IMG S&I
Long Descr 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)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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) 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

36901 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC P3 Introduction of needle(s) and/or catheter(s), dialysis circuit, with diagnostic angiography of the dialysis circuit, including all direct puncture(s) and catheter placement(s), injection(s) of contrast, all necessary imaging from the arterial anastomosis and adjacent artery through entire venous outflow including the inferior or superior vena cava, fluoroscopic guidance, radiological supervision and interpretation and image documentation and report;
36902 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Introduction of needle(s) and/or catheter(s), dialysis circuit, with diagnostic angiography of the dialysis circuit, including all direct puncture(s) and catheter placement(s), injection(s) of contrast, all necessary imaging from the arterial anastomosis and adjacent artery through entire venous outflow including the inferior or superior vena cava, fluoroscopic guidance, radiological supervision and interpretation and image documentation and report; with transluminal balloon angioplasty, peripheral dialysis segment, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty
36903 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Introduction of needle(s) and/or catheter(s), dialysis circuit, with diagnostic angiography of the dialysis circuit, including all direct puncture(s) and catheter placement(s), injection(s) of contrast, all necessary imaging from the arterial anastomosis and adjacent artery through entire venous outflow including the inferior or superior vena cava, fluoroscopic guidance, radiological supervision and interpretation and image documentation and report; 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 segment
36904 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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);
36905 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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 transluminal balloon angioplasty, peripheral dialysis segment, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty
36906 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 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
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)
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.
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)
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
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
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
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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