36252 Ins catheter renal artery first bilateral
Also known as: bilateral renal catheter, bilateral renal angiography, renal artery catheterization bilateral
Percutaneous placement of catheter into renal artery as first catheterization (bilateral both renal arteries) for angiography or intervention.
In Plain Language
putting tubes in both kidney arteries; bilateral renal artery catheterization
Clinical Context
Used for bilateral renal artery disease evaluation, renal insufficiency assessment, or hypertension workup.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.57 |
| Total RVU | 6.57 |
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 6.57, this code ranks in the 43rd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36252?
CPT 36252 (Ins catheter renal artery first bilateral) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous placement of catheter into renal artery as first catheterization (bilateral both renal arteries) for angiography or intervention.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36252?
The work RVU for CPT 36252 is 6.57. This code is primarily used by Radiology, Nephrology.
When is CPT 36252 used?
Used for bilateral renal artery disease evaluation, renal insufficiency assessment, or hypertension workup.
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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.