Summary & Overview
CPT 36570: Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter with Subcutaneous Port, Pediatric
CPT code 36570 represents placement of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter with an implanted subcutaneous port in patients under five years old for long-term intravenous therapy. This pediatric vascular access procedure matters nationally because it supports prolonged outpatient and inpatient therapies that reduce repetitive peripheral access, lower infection risk compared with frequent peripheral lines, and enable home-based care for vulnerable young patients.
Key payers included in the analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and payer coverage considerations. The publication outlines benchmarking approaches for utilization and reimbursement, highlights common billing and documentation considerations, and summarizes policy trends that affect coverage and site-of-service decisions for pediatric long-term central venous access.
This resource is designed for hospital administrators, coding and billing staff, and pediatric specialty practices seeking a national-level reference on coding, clinical application, and payer patterns for CPT code 36570. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 36570 describes the insertion of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) with an implanted subcutaneous port in patients younger than five years old. The procedure is used to provide long-term intravenous access for therapies such as prolonged antibiotic administration, parenteral nutrition, or other extended IV treatments.
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Service type: Invasive vascular access procedure for long-term intravenous therapy
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient hospital setting, surgical center, or specialty pediatric clinic providing long-term central venous access placement
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an infant or toddler younger than five years old who requires long‑term intravenous therapy such as chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, or frequent antibiotic administration. The child presents to an interventional radiology suite, pediatric operating room, or procedure room staffed by pediatric surgery or interventional radiology. After pre‑procedure verification, informed consent by the guardian, and appropriate sedation or general anesthesia, the provider obtains ultrasound guidance to access a peripheral upper‑extremity vein (commonly the basilic or cephalic vein). A guidewire and dilator are used to advance a central venous catheter with a subcutaneous port reservoir tunneled subcutaneously on the arm. Proper catheter tip position is confirmed with fluoroscopy or radiograph. The port is tested for patency and secured; sterile dressings are applied and post‑procedure instructions are given to caregivers. Typical sites of service include the hospital inpatient setting, outpatient hospital-based ambulatory surgery center, or pediatric interventional radiology suite. Payors may include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare depending on patient coverage.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Standard primary procedure code | Use when reporting the principal, unmodified service as performed. |