CPT code 36563 covers the insertion of a tunneled central venous access device or catheter whose tip terminates in a central venous structure (brachiocephalic/innominate, iliac, subclavian, superior/inferior vena cava, or the right atrium). This procedure is widely used for long-term venous access for administration of medications, parenteral nutrition, and repeated blood draws, making the code relevant across inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory surgery, and interventional radiology settings nationwide. Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

Readers will learn clinical and billing context for CPT code 36563, including typical service settings, common clinical indications, and the role of tunneled central venous catheters in long-term vascular access. The publication provides national benchmarks and payer coverage scope where available, notes common modifiers and billing considerations when present, and summarizes the clinical implications for care pathways that rely on tunneled central venous access. Data limitations are identified where information is not provided. The focus is national; no state-specific guidance is included.