Reader Question: Midline Catheter Placement

Question: We recently performed a midline placement on a Medicare patient in our outpatient antibiotic infusion center. We had spent a considerable amount of time in placing the midline compared to performing a standard IV start procedure. In addition, the midline catheter tray kit from BARD (the manufacturer) that we used on the patient was very expensive.

Please let us know the appropriate CPT code for the procedure, and also the code (s) for the supplies so that we will be adequately reimbursed for performing the midline placement. We want to recoup the cost for our time and for the expensive midline supplies.

Sophy Weinroth, Office Manager, Va.

Answer: Without seeing a more detailed report, the answer for this question would be code 36489* (placement of central venous catheter [subclavian, jugular, or other vein] [e.g., for central venous pressure, hyperalimentation, hemodialysis, or chemotherapy]; percutaneous, over age 2). It would be the most likely code for this scenario. As far as supplies, the correct code would be A4300 (implantable access catheter [venous, arterial, epidural, or peritoneal], external access). You may also wish to submit a copy of the invoice along with a description of the supply and ask for individual consideration.



- Published on 2000-03-01