36215 Place catheter in artery
Also known as: selective arterial catheterization, branch artery catheter, first-order vessel catheterization
Percutaneous placement of arterial catheter into non-coronary artery (selective first-order branch) for angiography or intervention.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in a branch artery; selective artery catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for selective angiography of renal, mesenteric, carotid, or subclavian arteries.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.07 |
| Total RVU | 4.07 |
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. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 4.07, this code ranks in the 28th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36215?
CPT 36215 (Place catheter in artery) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of arterial catheter into non-coronary artery (selective first-order branch) for angiography or intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36215?
The work RVU for CPT 36215 is 4.07. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Cardiology.
When is CPT 36215 used?
Used for selective angiography of renal, mesenteric, carotid, or subclavian arteries.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.