CPT code 36832 represents the surgical opening and revision of an autogenous or nonautogenous arteriovenous fistula without thrombectomy. This procedure is used to restore or improve vascular access for hemodialysis, typically performed on fistulas located in the forearm or upper arm. Nationally, procedures to maintain functional dialysis access are critical to ongoing outpatient and inpatient renal replacement care, making accurate coding and coverage understanding essential for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinicians.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical indication and service setting, an outline of payer coverage considerations and common procedural modifiers, and pointers to related billing and coding topics. The summary provides benchmarks and policy context relevant to reimbursements, prior authorization practices, and site-of-service determinations where available. If specific payer policies or local coverage determinations apply, those details should be consulted directly from each payer.

This publication helps billing managers, vascular surgeons, nephrology programs, and revenue cycle teams understand where CPT code 36832 fits within the spectrum of dialysis access procedures and what to review when preparing claims or evaluating coverage decisions.