36246 Ins catheter abdominal/l-ext artery second
Also known as: second abdominal catheter, additional extremity catheterization, second selective catheter, arterial catheterization 2nd order
Percutaneous placement of catheter into abdominal or lower extremity artery as second selective catheterization (add-on) for angiography.
In Plain Language
putting a second tube in belly or leg artery; additional catheterization
Clinical Context
Used when bilateral or additional visceral/extremity vessel access required during same procedure.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.89 |
| Total RVU | 4.89 |
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 4.89, this code ranks in the 33rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36246?
CPT 36246 (Ins catheter abdominal/l-ext artery second) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into abdominal or lower extremity artery as second selective catheterization (add-on) for angiography.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36246?
The work RVU for CPT 36246 is 4.89. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Vascular Surgery.
When is CPT 36246 used?
Used when bilateral or additional visceral/extremity vessel access required during same procedure.
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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.