36251 Ins catheter renal artery first unilateral
Also known as: renal artery catheter, renal angiography, unilateral renal catheterization
Percutaneous placement of catheter into renal artery as first catheterization (unilateral single renal artery) for angiography or intervention.
In Plain Language
putting a tube in a kidney artery; renal artery catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for renal artery stenosis evaluation, renal function assessment, or renal intervention.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 4.97 |
| Total RVU | 4.97 |
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 4.97, this code ranks in the 34th 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 36251?
CPT 36251 (Ins catheter renal artery first unilateral) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into renal artery as first catheterization (unilateral single renal artery) for angiography or intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36251?
The work RVU for CPT 36251 is 4.97. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Nephrology.
When is CPT 36251 used?
Used for renal artery stenosis evaluation, renal function assessment, or renal 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.