When Coding a Selective Catheterization How Are Codes Assigned?

Selective catheterization codes are determined by how far they are from the aorta or the vessel catheterized. First-order catheterization codes 36215 and 36245 are used when the catheter only goes into an artery that comes directly off the aorta or vessel catheterized.

How do you code a selective catheterization?

For selective catheter placements, the documentation has to say “selective;” the catheter “cannulated,” “went into,” or was “parked” in the artery. Without that documentation, there is no support to code one of the selective catheter placement codes (CPT 36245, 36246, 36247, and, sometimes, add-on code 36248).

What is selective catheterization?

Selective catheter placement occurs when a catheter advances from the original vessel punctured or from an artery that branches off the aorta. Once the catheter reaches a vessel off the original vessel punctured or off the aorta, it becomes its own vascular family.