36217 Place catheter in artery
Also known as: third-order catheterization, additional selective catheter, distal branch catheterization
Percutaneous placement of arterial catheter into third-order or beyond branch artery (selective additional) for angiography or intervention.
In Plain Language
putting a tube into very small branch arteries; selective distal catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for selective embolization, distal angiography, or complex vascular interventions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.13 |
| Total RVU | 6.13 |
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 6.13, this code ranks in the 41st percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36217?
CPT 36217 (Place catheter in artery) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of arterial catheter into third-order or beyond branch artery (selective additional) for angiography or intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36217?
The work RVU for CPT 36217 is 6.13. This code is primarily used by Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 36217 used?
Used for selective embolization, distal angiography, or complex vascular interventions.
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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.