36226 Place catheter vertebral artery
Also known as: vertebral catheter, vertebral angiography, vertebral artery catheterization
Percutaneous placement of catheter into vertebral artery for selective angiography or intervention of posterior circulation.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in the vertebral artery in the neck; vertebral artery catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for vertebrobasilar insufficiency evaluation, vertebral steal syndrome, or posterior circulation intervention.
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 36226?
CPT 36226 (Place catheter vertebral artery) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into vertebral artery for selective angiography or intervention of posterior circulation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36226?
The work RVU for CPT 36226 is 6.09. This code is primarily used by Cardiology, Neurology.
When is CPT 36226 used?
Used for vertebrobasilar insufficiency evaluation, vertebral steal syndrome, or posterior circulation intervention.
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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.