AMA CPT® Assistant - 2026 Issue 7 (July)
Coding Brief: Reporting Selective Arterial Catheter Placement (36248)
July 2026 page 20 Coding Brief: Reporting Selective Arterial Catheter Placement (36248) This coding brief provides guidance for reporting selective arterial catheterization code 36248, Selective placement, arterial system; additional second order, third order, and beyond, abdominal, pelvic, or lower extremity artery branch, within a vascular family (List in addition to code for initial second or third order vessel as appropriate). Although the descriptor for code 36248 has not changed over time, there is still confusion regarding the appropriate use of this code. Accurate reporting of catheterization procedures requires familiarity with the anatomy of the vascular system. For code selection...
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Article Overview
This coding brief reviews how selective arterial catheterization is discussed in relation to vascular family anatomy and CPT cardiovascular system guidance. It is aimed at coders and clinicians working with interventional vascular procedures, especially when sorting out higher-order catheter placements and related add-on reporting concepts. The article includes general guidance, a reference to CPT 2026 materials, and a practical Q&A example to clarify the topic.
Why This Topic Matters
Selective catheterization coding can be difficult when multiple arterial branches and vascular families are involved. Understanding the article helps readers evaluate whether they need detailed CPT guidance for catheter placement reporting in abdominal and thoracic arterial systems.
Article Sections
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July 2026 page 20
Publication metadata and the brief’s placement within the source issue.
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Coding Brief: Reporting Selective Arterial Catheter Placement (36248)
Overview of the brief’s focus on selective arterial catheterization and vascular family concepts within CPT guidance.
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Figure 1. Arterial Vascular Family: Abdomen
Reference to the abdominal vascular family illustration used to support catheterization review.
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Question and Answer
A worked scenario illustrating how the brief addresses catheterization reporting in a specific abdominal arterial example.
What You Will Learn
- The general purpose of the brief and its focus area
- How the article frames vascular family anatomy as a coding topic
- Which CPT guidance areas are referenced
- What kind of example scenario the brief uses to illustrate the topic
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Interventional radiology staff
- Physician documentation reviewers
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
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