ESRD/DIALYSIS
Dialysis Circuit Procedures
Question: What is the dialysis circuit and how are procedures for this structure reported?
Answer: According to CPT® guidelines, the arteriovenous (AV) dialysis circuit is a surgically created structure designed for easy long-term access for hemodialysis. It can either be an AV fistula (AVF) or AV graft (AVG). It begins at the arterial anastomosis and extends to the right atrium; and is comprised of the peripheral segment and the central segment.
Codes 36901-36906 are used to report procedures for the dialysis circuit. These codes are built on a progressive hierarchy which include less intensive services:
- Diagnostic angiography
- Transluminal balloon angioplasty
- Intravascular stenting
- Mechanical thrombectomy
