CPT 36221
Place cath thoracic aorta
CPT 36221 at a glance
- Code
- 36221
- Code type
- CPT/HCPCS
- Short descriptor
- Place cath thoracic aorta
- Category
- ASC Surgical
- ASC payment status
- Payable in an ASC (surgical)
- CMS addendum
- AA (Surgical)
- Typical setting
- Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
What is CPT code 36221?
CPT 36221 is a CPT/HCPCS procedure code. Its official CMS short descriptor is "Place cath thoracic aorta". In the ASC context it is grouped under ASC Surgical.
Is CPT 36221 payable in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC)?
CPT 36221 appears on Medicare's ASC Covered Procedures List (CMS Addendum AA), so Medicare reimburses it when the surgery is performed in a certified ambulatory surgery center.
Where is CPT 36221 typically performed?
Ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) or hospital outpatient department (POS 22).
Which specialties use CPT 36221?
CPT 36221 is most associated with General Surgery, Vascular & Interventional Radiology.
Reference information compiled from the CMS April 2026 ASC payment addenda (AA, BB, EE). Codes, descriptors, and ASC payment status change with each CMS update. This is a coding reference, not billing, coding, or legal advice. Always verify against the current CMS addenda and individual payer policy before billing. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.