36224 Place catheter carotd artery
Also known as: internal carotid catheter, common carotid catheterization, carotid angiography
Percutaneous placement of catheter into carotid artery for selective catheterization and angiography of carotid distribution.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in the main neck artery to the brain; internal carotid catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for carotid atherosclerosis evaluation, carotid intervention, or cerebrovascular disease assessment.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.09 |
| Total RVU | 6.09 |
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 6.09, 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 36224?
CPT 36224 (Place catheter carotd artery) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into carotid artery for selective catheterization and angiography of carotid distribution.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36224?
The work RVU for CPT 36224 is 6.09. This code is primarily used by Cardiology, Neurology.
When is CPT 36224 used?
Used for carotid atherosclerosis evaluation, carotid intervention, or cerebrovascular disease assessment.
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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.