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See a sample rate comparisonCPT 36821 Fee Schedule
Last Verified: October 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.
Surgery Connect Blood Vessels, Surgery To Connect Two Blood Vessels Usually An Artery And Vein. The Resulting Enlarged Vessel Is Called A Fistula. The Procedure Often Is Done To Prepare For Years Of Expected Dialysis Treatments.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Service Type | Surgery Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System |
| Common Place of Service | 22 - On Campus Outpatient Hospital 24 - Ambulatory Surgical Center |
| Common Modifiers | None LT - Left side of body RT - Right side of body |
| Complexity Level | Moderate |
| Medicare Fee Schedule | View Medicare rates for 36821 |
| Medicaid Fee Schedule | View Medicaid rates for 36821 |
National average reimbursement for CPT 36821 by major payers:
$831.27
$902.01
$985.26
$1,047.68
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CPT 36821
5 of 25 sample ratesHigher to lower in this preview
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford
$9,098.00Published rateShawnee Mission Prairie Star Surgery Center LLC, Adventhealth Surgery Center Lenexa
Shawnee Mission Prairie Star Surgery Center LLC
$2,703.00Published rateFour States Surgery Center, PC, Four States Surgery Center,
Four States Surgery Center, PC
$1,501.00Published rateDermatology Associates Of Kentucky, Psc
Dermatology Associates Of Kentucky, P.S.C.
$1,181.47Published ratePuget Sound Gastroenterology, PLLC, Evergreen Endoscopy Center
Puget Sound Gastroenterology, P.S.
$753.00Published rate
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See a sample payer proposalCPT 36821 vs. Other Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Codes
The CPT 36821 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 36821 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 36821-CPT | Moderate | Surgery Connect Blood Vessels, Surgery To Connect Two Blood Vessels Usually An Artery And Vein. The Resulting Enlarged Vessel Is Called A Fistula. The Procedure Often Is Done To Prepare For Years Of Expected Dialysis Treatments. |
What is a fee schedule?
A fee schedule is a list of fixed prices that healthcare providers charge for specific services, including CPT 36821. These prices vary depending on payer type (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), geographic location, and provider contracts.
Understanding the 36821 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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