CPT code 36251 denotes selective renal arteriography performed via femoral arterial access to inject contrast into a single kidney’s primary renal artery for diagnostic visualization. This procedure is a key tool for identifying renal artery stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm, or thrombus and informs decisions about medical management or revascularization. Nationally, selective renal angiography remains an important imaging technique when noninvasive modalities are inconclusive or when planning endovascular intervention.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find concise clinical context about when and where the procedure is performed, typical sites of service, and how CPT code 36251 maps to diagnostic interventional radiology workflows. The publication also covers common billing modifiers and related coding considerations (where provided), reimbursement benchmarking across major payers, and policy updates that affect coverage and prior authorization practices. The content is intended to support billing staff, revenue analysts, and clinical leaders seeking a clear, national-level summary of coding, clinical purpose, and payer relevance for CPT code 36251.