Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: If I report one of the chemotherapy administration codes (96401-96549), can I separately report declotting the catheter?


Delaware Subscriber


Answer:  According to CPT guidelines, you may report declotting a catheter or port separately with code 36550 (Declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter), as long as the physician used a thrombolytic agent for the declotting service. If the physician didn't use a thrombolytic agent, payers typically include the declot in any patient visit service performed that day.

You should not report many other services separately, however. If the provider performs the following services to aid the infusion or injection, include that service in the infusion or injection code:

- local anesthesia use
- IV start
- indwelling IV, subcutaneous catheter, or port access
- flush after infusion concludes
- standard tubing, syringes and supplies
- preparation of chemotherapy agent(s).