Question:

Which CPT® code would a hospital bill if an inpatient has a PICC placed, but after multiple attempts and repositioning, the surgeon cannot pass the PICC line, which is positioned in the internal jugular vein near its junction with the subclavian vein? Context: The skin is anesthetized with lidocaine, and the brachial vein is accessed to insert the line. Multiple attempts to reposition the line were performed with chest x-rays after each repositioning. The line did not terminate in the subclavian, brachiocephalic, or iliac vein, SVC, IVC, or right atrium. The surgeon wants the hospital to charge CPT codes 36573 and 76937, which are incorrect.

Answer:

As the vein did not terminate in a central vein this is a peripheral line. 36140 would be the acceptable may to code this per CPT® Assistant September 2013.

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