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Official Description

Hemodialysis procedure with single evaluation by a physician or other qualified health care professional

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90935 refers to a hemodialysis procedure that includes a single evaluation by a physician or another qualified healthcare professional. Hemodialysis is a medical treatment used to filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately due to renal disease. During this procedure, a nurse or technician will insert two needles into a vascular access site that has been previously established. This access site can be an internal fistula or shunt, an internal graft, or, in less common cases, a central venous catheter. Each needle is connected to flexible plastic tubing that links to a dialysis machine. One tube is responsible for drawing blood from the body, which is then circulated through the dialysis machine. Inside the machine, the blood passes alongside a semipermeable membrane, while dialysis fluid flows on the opposite side. This setup allows for the removal of waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which then transfer through the membrane into the dialysis fluid. The cleansed blood is subsequently returned to the body through the second tube. The hemodialysis procedure encapsulated by code 90935 also includes any evaluation and management services that are performed on the same day as the dialysis procedure, specifically those that relate to the patient's renal condition. It is important to note that if multiple evaluation and management services are necessary during the hemodialysis session, CPT® Code 90937 should be utilized instead. This distinction is crucial for accurate coding and billing practices in the context of renal disease management.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The hemodialysis procedure represented by CPT® Code 90935 is indicated for patients who are experiencing renal failure or significant impairment in kidney function. This procedure is typically performed on individuals who require regular dialysis treatments to manage their condition effectively. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease may require hemodialysis to remove waste products and excess fluids from their blood.
  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Individuals suffering from acute kidney injury may need hemodialysis as a temporary measure to support kidney function until recovery occurs.
  • End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease often rely on hemodialysis as a life-sustaining treatment option.

2. Procedure

The hemodialysis procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment. The following outlines the procedural steps associated with CPT® Code 90935:

  • Step 1: Vascular Access Preparation The procedure begins with the preparation of the vascular access site, which may involve cleaning the area to prevent infection. The access site is typically a surgically created internal fistula or shunt, an internal graft, or a central venous catheter.
  • Step 2: Needle Insertion Two needles are then carefully inserted into the vascular access site. One needle is designated for drawing blood out of the body, while the other is used to return the cleansed blood back into the bloodstream.
  • Step 3: Connection to Dialysis Machine Each needle is connected to a separate piece of flexible plastic tubing that leads to the dialysis machine. This connection is crucial for the proper functioning of the hemodialysis process.
  • Step 4: Blood Circulation The blood is drawn from the body through one tube and enters the dialysis machine, where it is circulated. Inside the machine, the blood flows alongside a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the exchange of waste products and excess fluids.
  • Step 5: Dialysis Process As the blood circulates through the dialysis machine, waste products and excess fluids pass through the membrane into the dialysis fluid, which is then discarded. This process effectively cleanses the blood of harmful substances.
  • Step 6: Return of Cleansed Blood After the dialysis process is complete, the cleansed blood is returned to the body through the second tube, ensuring that the patient receives filtered blood back into their circulation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the hemodialysis procedure, patients may experience some common post-procedure effects, such as fatigue or mild discomfort at the access site. It is essential for healthcare professionals to monitor the patient for any adverse reactions or complications. Patients are typically advised to rest and hydrate adequately following the procedure. Additionally, any evaluation and management services related to the patient's renal disease that occur on the same day as the hemodialysis are included in the overall treatment plan. Continuous follow-up care and regular monitoring of kidney function are crucial for managing the patient's condition effectively.

Short Descr HEMODIALYSIS ONE EVALUATION
Medium Descr HEMODIALYSIS PROCEDURE W/ PHYS/QHP EVALUATION
Long Descr Hemodialysis procedure with single evaluation by a physician or other qualified health care professional
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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) 0 - 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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P9A - Dialysis services (Medicare Fee Schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 58 - Hemodialysis
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
93 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system : synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction.
AF Specialty physician
AG Primary physician
AI Principal physician of record
AY Item or service furnished to an esrd patient that is not for the treatment of esrd
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CS Cost-sharing waived for specified covid-19 testing-related services that result in and order for or administration of a covid-19 test and/or used for cost-sharing waived preventive services furnished via telehealth in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers during the covid-19 public health emergency
G6 Esrd patient for whom less than six dialysis sessions have been provided in a month
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
HU Funded by child welfare agency
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
QW Clia waived test
U7 Medicaid level of care 7, as defined by each state
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
X3 Episodic/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians who have broad responsibility for the comprehensive needs of the patient that is limited to a defined period and circumstance such as a hospitalization; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to the hospitalist's services rendered providing comprehensive and general care to a patient while admitted to the hospital
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2013-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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