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Can a CRNA insert a tunneled centrally inserted central venous catheter, CPT 36558? CGS Medicare denied our claim billed by a CRNA only stating payment is denied when performed/billed by this type of provider.
Are you *sure* the CRNA placed a "tunneled" catheter? Usually they're providing the anesthesia for tunneled catheters because this is an invasive surgical procedure. I don't even think I recall seeing an anesthesiologist, who is an MD do one of these.
You may wish to check the state laws of your state to determine whether or not the CRNA is allowed to bill this procedure, but I'll bet the cath is either non-tunneled or they provided only the anesthesia for it.
If, perchance, the CRNA actually did a true tunneled catheter, the only way you'll beat the denial is to show just reason for why a CRNA had to do it (emergency & no other capable MD was around to do it?) or that the procedure you're billing for is allowed to be performed in your state by law.