CPT Knowledgebase - Dec 7, 2015

Per page 60 of the CPT Changes 2004, the description of procedure for code 36589, Removal of tunneled central venous catheter, without subcutaneous port or pump, includes both cut-down and blunt dissection: Local lidocaine anesthesia is injected. The tunneled central venous catheter is surgically removed by cut-down and blunt dissection. Hemostasis is established with manual pressure. The wound is closed and dressed in standard fashion. If blunt dissection is the only removal methodology, is it appropriate to report code 36589?

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