Summary & Overview
HCPCS C1751: Catheter for Peripheral, Central, or Midline Infusion
HCPCS Level II code C1751 denotes an infusion catheter device intended for peripheral, central, or midline vascular access (excluding hemodialysis). The code is used nationally to identify the supply component of infusion catheter services across acute and ambulatory care settings. Accurate coding of C1751 matters for claims adjudication, supply tracking, and clinical documentation tied to infusion therapies.
This analysis covers major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how C1751 is classified, common sites of service, and the clinical contexts in which the device is used. The publication also summarizes payer coverage patterns and benchmarks where available, highlights documentation elements relevant to device reporting, and outlines policy or billing considerations that affect supply reimbursement and claim processing.
The piece is intended for billing managers, revenue cycle professionals, and clinical leaders who need a concise reference on device classification, expected service lines, and payer coverage scope for C1751 at a national level. Data not available in the input will be explicitly noted in relevant sections.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1751 describes a catheter for infusion that is inserted peripherally, centrally, or as a midline catheter (excluding hemodialysis use). The code represents the device component used to provide vascular access for infusion therapies such as intravenous medications, fluids, or parenteral nutrition.
Service type: Infusion catheter device supply
Typical site of service: Inpatient hospital, outpatient hospital, ambulatory surgical center, physician office, or infusion center, depending on clinical setting and insertion location. Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 64-year-old hospitalized patient with poor peripheral venous access requires medium- to long-term intravenous infusion for antibiotics and parenteral medications. The primary team requests placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter or a midline catheter depending on intended therapy duration. The patient is evaluated by an interventional radiologist or vascular access team. After informed consent and review of indications and contraindications, the patient is positioned, the insertion site prepared and ultrasound-guided venous access obtained. The catheter is advanced peripherally, centrally (to the superior vena cava) or as a midline catheter under ultrasound and, when indicated, fluoroscopic guidance. Device selection and length are determined by therapy type (vesicant vs non-vesicant), duration, and venous anatomy. Post-procedure chest radiograph or fluoroscopic confirmation is obtained if the catheter tip is intended for central placement. Dressing and securement are applied and nursing provides catheter care instructions. Typical sites of service include inpatient hospital bedside, hospital interventional radiology suite, ambulatory surgery center, and outpatient vascular access clinic. Typical clinical indications include long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition, difficult peripheral access, repeated chemotherapy administration (non-hemodialysis), and infusion of irritants or hyperosmolar solutions.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier |