36160 Establish access to aorta
Also known as: aortic access, transaortic catheterization, aortic catheter
Percutaneous establishment of access to abdominal aorta for diagnostic or therapeutic catheterization. Aortic access.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in the main artery of the belly; aortic access
Clinical Context
Used for aortic angiography, aortic intervention, or when selective branch access difficult.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.46 |
| Total RVU | 2.46 |
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 2.46, this code ranks in the 17th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36160?
CPT 36160 (Establish access to aorta) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous establishment of access to abdominal aorta for diagnostic or therapeutic catheterization. Aortic access.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36160?
The work RVU for CPT 36160 is 2.46. This code is primarily used by Cardiology, Radiology.
When is CPT 36160 used?
Used for aortic angiography, aortic intervention, or when selective branch access difficult.
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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.