Renal Angiogram Coding

Question:

Is catheterization separately reported with renal angiograms?

Answer:

No. The renal angiogram codes, see table below, include all catherization.  The codes are selected by order of catheterization and as unilateral or bilateral.  Also, remember that a flush aortogram is included in the renal angiogram codes and not separately reported.

CPT Code	Description
36251	Selective catheter placement (first-order), main renal artery and any accessory renal artery(s) for renal angiography, including arterial puncture and catheter placement(s), fluoroscopy, contrast injection(s), image postprocessing, permanent recording of images, and radiological supervision and interpretation, including pressure gradient measurements when performed, andflush aortogramwhen performed; unilateral
36252	bilateral
36253	Superselective catheter placement (one or more second order or higher renal artery branches) renal artery and any accessory renal artery(s) for renal angiography, including arterial puncture, catheterization, fluoroscopy, contrast injection(s), image postprocessing, permanent recording of images, and radiological supervision and interpretation, including pressure gradient measurements when performed, andflush aortogramwhen performed; unilateral Do not report 36253 in conjunction with 36251 when performed for the same kidney.
36254	bilateral

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/09/20.