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CPT®
36120

CPT® Code 36120
Deleted

Official Description

Introduction of needle or intracatheter; retrograde brachial artery

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36120 involves the introduction of a needle or intracatheter into the brachial artery using a retrograde approach. This means that the needle or catheter is inserted in a direction opposite to the normal flow of blood in the artery. The brachial artery, located in the upper arm, is accessed by first locating it through palpation, which is the process of feeling the artery with the fingers. Once located, the artery is stabilized between the index and middle fingers to ensure accurate placement. The needle or intracatheter is then introduced through the skin and advanced toward the artery until it makes contact with the artery wall, at which point the artery is punctured. After puncturing the brachial artery, the needle may remain in place, or an intracatheter can be advanced further into the artery. This retrograde technique allows for the catheter to be navigated into larger vessels such as the axillary, subclavian, or innominate arteries. The procedure may also involve the injection of medication or radiopaque contrast material as necessary, which aids in imaging or therapeutic interventions. This code specifically pertains to the brachial artery, distinguishing it from other codes that refer to the introduction of needles or catheters into different extremity arteries, such as the radial or femoral arteries.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 36120 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where access to the brachial artery is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Access for Diagnostic Procedures - This procedure may be performed to gain access to the brachial artery for diagnostic imaging or interventions.
  • Administration of Medications - It is indicated for the administration of medications directly into the arterial system, which may be necessary for certain therapeutic interventions.
  • Contrast Injection for Imaging - The procedure is also indicated for the injection of radiopaque contrast material to facilitate imaging studies, such as angiography, to visualize the vascular structures.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 36120 involves several key steps to ensure successful access to the brachial artery:

  • Step 1: Palpation of the Brachial Artery - The first step involves locating the brachial artery by palpation. The healthcare provider uses their fingers to feel for the pulse of the artery in the upper arm, ensuring accurate identification of the vessel.
  • Step 2: Stabilization of the Artery - Once the artery is located, it is stabilized by placing the index and middle fingers around it. This stabilization is crucial for maintaining the position of the artery during the needle or catheter insertion.
  • Step 3: Introduction of the Needle or Intracatheter - The next step is to introduce the needle or intracatheter through the skin. The provider carefully advances the needle toward the artery until the tip makes contact with the artery wall.
  • Step 4: Puncturing the Artery - After contacting the artery wall, the provider punctures the artery, allowing for access. At this point, the needle may be left in place, or an intracatheter may be advanced through the needle.
  • Step 5: Advancement of the Intracatheter - If an intracatheter is used, it is advanced in a retrograde fashion through the brachial artery. This may involve navigating the catheter into larger vessels such as the axillary, subclavian, or innominate arteries, depending on the clinical need.
  • Step 6: Injection of Medication or Contrast - Finally, as needed, medication or radiopaque contrast material may be injected through the catheter to facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, appropriate post-procedure care is essential. The site of the puncture should be monitored for any signs of bleeding or complications. Patients may be advised to keep the arm immobilized for a short period to minimize movement at the puncture site. Follow-up assessments may be necessary to ensure proper healing and to evaluate for any potential complications, such as hematoma or infection. Additionally, instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs of complications should be provided to the patient to ensure a safe recovery.
Short Descr ESTABLISH ACCESS TO ARTERY
Medium Descr INTRO NEEDLE/INTRACATH RETROGRADE BRACHIAL ART
Long Descr Introduction of needle or intracatheter; retrograde brachial artery
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I4B - Imaging/procedure - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 54 - Other vascular catheterization, not heart
Date
Action
Notes
2017-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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