Coding Insertion of Catheters, Venous Access Ports, and Implantable Infusion Pumps (Fall 1995)

Why This Topic Matters

These procedures are commonly documented in ways that can be confused by device name, route of insertion, or intended use. The article helps readers recognize the scope of the CPT topics covered and the kinds of devices and procedures addressed in the discussion.

Article Sections

1. Central Venous Catheters

   Introduces central venous catheter placement and discusses the broad categories of access and insertion approaches covered in the article. The section also distinguishes related peripheral line concepts and describes the general context for CPT reporting.

2. Short-Term Central Venous Catheters

   Summarizes short-term central venous catheter characteristics and their general clinical use. The section focuses on the device category and its broad functional differences from longer-term systems.

3. Long-Term Central Venous Catheters

   Covers long-term catheter materials, general characteristics, and representative device examples. The section also discusses the broader considerations used to distinguish long-term catheter placement within the article's CPT framework.

4. Arterial Puncture/Catheters

   Reviews arterial puncture and arterial catheter placement topics, including the general distinction between single sample collection and indwelling monitoring. The section includes arterial access contexts and representative examples.

5. Flow-Directed Catheters

   Discusses flow-directed catheter placement and its use in hemodynamic monitoring. The section outlines the broader monitoring context and associated device characteristics described in the article.

6. Umbilical-Artery Catheters

   Addresses newborn umbilical artery catheterization as a distinct catheter topic. The section places this procedure within the article's overall catheter coding discussion.

7. Implantable Venous Access Ports

   Explains implantable venous access ports as a separate device category and describes their general construction and use. The section also notes how these devices fit into long-term intravenous therapy discussions.

8. Implantable Infusion Pumps

   Covers implantable infusion pump systems and their general characteristics. The section discusses the broader concept of implanted drug delivery systems and related examples.

9. Glossary of Terms

   Provides article-specific terminology used to define the procedure and device concepts discussed throughout the piece. The glossary supports interpretation of the coding topics without serving as a coding reference on its own.

10. Table: Examples of Catheters, Ports, and Pumps

    Presents a summary table of representative devices linked to the article's procedure categories. The table is included as a set of examples rather than a complete listing.