36590 Removal tunneled cv catheter
Also known as: catheter removal, line removal, central venous catheter removal
Removal of tunneled central venous catheter, without insertion of replacement.
In Plain Language
taking out a central catheter
Clinical Context
Used for removal of tunneled central catheters when no replacement needed. May be due to infection, thrombosis, or end of therapy.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.02 |
| Total RVU | 3.02 |
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 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.02, this code ranks in the 21st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36590?
CPT 36590 (Removal tunneled cv catheter) is a Surgery code. Removal of tunneled central venous catheter, without insertion of replacement.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36590?
The work RVU for CPT 36590 is 3.02. This code is primarily used by Surgery, Intensive Care, Infectious Disease. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 36590 used?
Used for removal of tunneled central catheters when no replacement needed. May be due to infection, thrombosis, or end of therapy.
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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.