Central Venous Access Device Care (July 2003)

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate reporting of central venous access device maintenance affects coding consistency for commonly performed catheter salvage services. The article helps readers understand the scope of the 2003 CPT® changes and how the related service categories are organized.

Article Sections

1. Coding Communication: Central Venous Access Device Care

   Introduces the clinical setting for central venous access device use and the broader reasons these devices are maintained or managed. It frames the article’s coding focus and the general types of service scenarios discussed.

2. Complications

   Summarizes common problems associated with central venous access devices and the types of obstruction described in the article. The section provides background for the service categories addressed later.

3. Intervention

   Describes general approaches used when central venous catheters become occluded and the broad categories of techniques referenced in the article. It explains the overall service context for the later coding discussion.

4. New Codes for 2003

   Presents the 2003 coding update for services associated with removal of obstructive material from central venous access devices. It also notes the related radiology supervision and interpretation component and nearby venous catheterization references.

5. Vignette: Code 36536

   Includes a clinical vignette illustrating one of the procedure categories discussed in the article. The example is paired with a description of the associated service context.

6. Vignette: Code 36537

   Includes a clinical vignette illustrating the other procedure category discussed in the article. The example is paired with a description of the associated service context.

7. Conclusion

   Wraps up the article with a summary of why the 2003 coding changes matter for reporting and device preservation. It emphasizes the general impact on documenting and maintaining existing access devices.