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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 36481 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address high-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
Insert Catheter For Blood Draw, Surgical Insertion Of A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Vein For Sampling Blood From An Organ Or A Blood Vessel In The Umbilical Cord.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital |
| Common Modifiers | GC - Service performed by resident under supervision 51 - Multiple procedures |
| Complexity Level | High |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | $1,638.98 national non-facility rate (2026) · View Medicare rates for 36481 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | $1,294.16 median of the 8 states in the free preview · View Medicaid rates for 36481 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 36481 by major payers:
$1,590.95
$2,084.43
$2,442.35
$747.15
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CPT 36481
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Emmaus Surgical Center, LLC
$1,708.00Published rateAtlanticare Surgery Center LLC
Atlanticare Health System Inc
$950.00Published rateGlbesc, LLC, Memorialcare Outpatient Surgical Center Long Beach
Glbesc LLC
$466.00Published ratePv Peninsula Plastic Surgery Center
$153.00Published rateTampa Surgery Center LLC
$61.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 36481 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 36481 code is part of the Surgery services used for Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System. It represents a moderate-complexity encounter and is one of several codes that vary based on time spent, level of medical decision-making, and documentation requirements.
The CPT 36481 code involves more provider time and moderate medical decision-making, unlike lower-level codes that require less time and simpler assessments. It typically includes multiple diagnoses, medication management, or test interpretation, leading to higher reimbursement and more detailed documentation requirements.
| Code | Complexity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 36481-CPT | High | Insert Catheter For Blood Draw, Surgical Insertion Of A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Vein For Sampling Blood From An Organ Or A Blood Vessel In The Umbilical Cord. |
| 36500-CPT | Moderate | Insert Catheter For Blood Draw, Surgical Insertion Of A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Vein For Sampling Blood From An Organ Or A Blood Vessel In The Umbilical Cord. |
| 36556-CPT | Moderate | Catheter Insertion Into Vein, Surgical Placement Of A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Large Vein Near The Heart. This Is For Direct Repeated Access To The Vein To Give Fluids Medications Or To Draw Blood. |
| 36557-CPT | High | Catheter Insertion Into Vein, Surgically Embedding (Tunneling) A Thin Tube (Catheter) Into A Major Vein Next To The Heart. This Allows Direct Repeated Access To The Vein To Give Fluids Medications Or To Draw Blood. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 36481. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 36481 fee schedule helps patients estimate costs and providers optimize billing for accurate reimbursements.
Factors that affect fee schedules
Medicare & Medicaid Rates
Government-set reimbursement amounts
Private Insurance Rates
Negotiated rates between providers and insurance companies
Geographic Location
Costs may be higher in urban areas.
Provider Type
Hospital providers may have different rates than private practice.
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