CPT® Code 36511

Therapeutic apheresis is a medical procedure that utilizes a specialized blood processing machine to separate blood into its various components, which include white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. This separation is achieved based on the weight of the different blood components. The primary purpose of therapeutic apheresis is to remove a specific component of the blood that is contributing to a disease state, thereby aiding in the treatment of certain medical conditions. Prior to the procedure, a physician evaluates the patient to determine the necessity of therapeutic apheresis. The procedure typically involves the use of a previously placed central venous catheter, or alternatively, venous catheters may be inserted to facilitate the connection of blood tubing to the apheresis machine. The physician is responsible for determining the parameters for the apheresis process and programming the machine accordingly. Once initiated, blood is drawn from the patient and processed through the apheresis machine, where it is separated into its components. The specific component that is implicated in the patient's disease is extracted, while the remaining components are returned to the patient's circulation through a second catheter. Throughout the procedure, the physician closely monitors the patient, which may include cardiac monitoring and pulse oximetry, ensuring the patient's safety and well-being. After the procedure is completed, the patient is disconnected from the machine and undergoes a re-evaluation to assess their condition.