Ask Dr. Z

The provider placed a double lumen PICC in the right basilic vein. Would 36573 only be charged once regardless of how many lumens were inserted at the same site? "Using ultrasound guidance for vascular access, the RIGHT basilic vein was accessed, and a 0.018 inch wire placed through the needle under fluoroscopy. The needle was removed and exchanged for a peel-away sheath-dilator. The 0.018 inch wire was placed into the atrial-superior vena caval junction under fluoroscopy and the catheter cut to measure. The 5 French PICC line catheter was placed with the tip in the atrial-superior vena caval junction under fluoroscopy. Spot radiograph was obtained for documentation. The peel-away sheath was removed. Both lumens aspirated blood easily and then were flushed and locked with heparinized saline."