36140 Intro needle icath upper/lxtr artery
Also known as: peripheral artery catheterization, extremity arteriography, arm or leg artery catheter
Percutaneous introduction of needle and catheter into upper or lower extremity artery for angiography or intervention. Peripheral artery catheterization.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in an arm or leg artery; peripheral artery access for X-ray
Clinical Context
Used for diagnostic or interventional angiography, embolization, or angioplasty.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.72 |
| Total RVU | 1.72 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.72, this code ranks in the 11th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36140?
CPT 36140 (Intro needle icath upper/lxtr artery) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous introduction of needle and catheter into upper or lower extremity artery for angiography or intervention. Peripheral artery catheterization.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36140?
The work RVU for CPT 36140 is 1.72. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Cardiology.
When is CPT 36140 used?
Used for diagnostic or interventional angiography, embolization, or angioplasty.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.