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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 36556 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: September 2026
Healthcare providers use this code to document and receive reimbursement for visits that address moderate-level medical decision-making, often including multiple diagnoses or prescription management.
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.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 21 - Inpatient Hospital 23 - Emergency Room |
| Common Modifiers | None 59 - Distinct Procedural Service RT - Right side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 36556 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 36556 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 36556 by major payers:
$271.97
$310.80
$348.21
$352.01
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CPT 36556
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Scott Marwin
Seaport Orthopaedic Associatespc
$2,966.35Published rateCollin Messerly
Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C.
$302.43Published rateMichelle Caban
Lifeline Medical Associates, LLC
$265.20Published rateCeline Leung
Progressive Neurology PC
$205.86Published rateZara Hazavei
Lifeline Medical Associates, LLC
$100.31Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 36556 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 36556 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 36556 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 36555-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. |
| 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. |
| 36558-CPT | Moderate | 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 36556. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 36556 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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