36821 Av fusion direct any site
Also known as: arteriovenous fistula, direct AVF, AV fistula creation
Arteriovenous fistula, direct, any site; including all aneurysm (sic) variants.
In Plain Language
surgically connecting an artery and vein for dialysis
Clinical Context
Broad category for direct arteriovenous fistula creation at any anatomic site, including primary and revision procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 11.60 |
| Total RVU | 11.60 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 11.60, this code ranks in the 64th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36821?
CPT 36821 (Av fusion direct any site) is a Surgery code. Arteriovenous fistula, direct, any site; including all aneurysm (sic) variants.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36821?
The work RVU for CPT 36821 is 11.60. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Nephrology, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 36821 used?
Broad category for direct arteriovenous fistula creation at any anatomic site, including primary and revision procedures.
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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.