36227 Place catheter external carotid
Also known as: external carotid catheter, ECA catheterization, external carotid angiography
Percutaneous placement of catheter into external carotid artery for selective angiography or intervention of external carotid distribution.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in the external carotid artery; external carotid artery catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for facial/scalp vascular disease, embolization procedures, or external carotid intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.04 |
| Total RVU | 2.04 |
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 2.04, this code ranks in the 14th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.9x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36227?
CPT 36227 (Place catheter external carotid) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into external carotid artery for selective angiography or intervention of external carotid distribution.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36227?
The work RVU for CPT 36227 is 2.04. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Interventional Radiology.
When is CPT 36227 used?
Used for facial/scalp vascular disease, embolization procedures, or external carotid intervention.
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.