CPT code 36819 covers the surgical creation of an arteriovenous anastomosis connecting the basilic vein to the brachial artery in the upper arm to establish reliable vascular access for hemodialysis. This procedure is a common and clinically significant intervention for patients with end-stage kidney disease who require long-term hemodialysis, affecting national patterns of surgical vascular access and dialysis readiness.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for AV fistula creation, typical sites of service, and the primary factors that influence coding and billing for this procedure. The publication also summarizes common modifiers and payer considerations relevant to claims processing and reimbursement, highlights benchmarks and utilization trends where available, and outlines recent policy or coverage dynamics that affect access to fistula creation nationally.

The content is intended for clinical administrators, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear, national-level understanding of CPT code 36819, including its role in dialysis preparation, operational implications for surgical and ambulatory settings, and the payer landscape that influences claim adjudication and access to care.