CPT® Code 36000

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36000 involves the introduction of a needle or intracatheter into a vein. This is a fundamental technique used in various medical settings, primarily for the purpose of accessing the venous system for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. The physician may utilize different types of devices for this procedure, including a metal needle, commonly known as a butterfly or scalp needle, or a plastic catheter that is mounted on a metal needle, often referred to as a plastic needle. Additionally, an intracatheter, which is a catheter that is inserted through a needle, may also be employed. The process begins with the careful selection and cleansing of the planned puncture site to minimize the risk of infection. Once the site is prepared, the selected device is introduced into the vein. The butterfly needle is particularly useful for accessing smaller veins, such as those found in the hand, due to its design that stabilizes the hub on the skin surface. In the case of a plastic needle, the metal tip is first inserted into the vein, after which it is removed, allowing the plastic catheter to be advanced into the vein. If an intracatheter is utilized, the metal needle punctures the vein, and the catheter is subsequently introduced through the needle into the vein. To ensure stability and prevent movement, the needle or intracatheter is secured to the skin with tape, completing the procedure.