36861 Cannula declotting
Also known as: declotting with balloon, balloon thrombectomy, external shunt declotting
External cannula declotting (separate procedure); with balloon catheter.
In Plain Language
removing a clot from an external shunt using a balloon
Clinical Context
Used for thrombosed external shunts using balloon catheter thrombectomy technique.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 2.46 |
| Total RVU | 2.46 |
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 2.46, this code ranks in the 17th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 36861?
CPT 36861 (Cannula declotting) is a Surgery code. External cannula declotting (separate procedure); with balloon catheter.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 36861?
The work RVU for CPT 36861 is 2.46. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Nephrology.
When is CPT 36861 used?
Used for thrombosed external shunts using balloon catheter thrombectomy technique.
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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.