When placing a Tesio catheter (tunneled), is it appropriate to code twice if two ports are placed?
When placing a Tesio catheter (tunneled) or any type of implanted central venous access device, it is appropriate to code 36533 (Insertion of implantable venous access device, with or without subcutaneous reservoir) once, unless advised otherwise by the Medicare carrier. The physician decides whether to place a single or double tunnel device; however, the placement of either is typically reflected in the work of 36533. Be sure to check the coding updates in the CPT 2004 manual, as revisions will be made to the central venous access codes, and the above coding recommendation will change.
