36500 Insertion of catheter vein
Also known as: central line insertion, CVC, central venous line, percutaneous central line
Insertion of central venous catheter, percutaneous method; younger than 5 years of age.
In Plain Language
placing a tube in a large vein in the chest; inserting a central catheter in young children
Clinical Context
Used for prolonged intravenous access, medication administration, hemodynamic monitoring, or hemodialysis in pediatric patients.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.42 |
| Total RVU | 3.42 |
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 3.42, this code ranks in the 24th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.3x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36500?
CPT 36500 (Insertion of catheter vein) is a Surgery code. Insertion of central venous catheter, percutaneous method; younger than 5 years of age.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36500?
The work RVU for CPT 36500 is 3.42. This code is primarily used by Pediatric Surgery, Intensive Care, Anesthesia.
When is CPT 36500 used?
Used for prolonged intravenous access, medication administration, hemodynamic monitoring, or hemodialysis in pediatric patients.
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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.