Reporting 36015

Question:

We have seen some illustrations suggesting the maximum number for reporting 36015 in one session is 5 (3-right(U,M,L), 2 Left(U,L). This method only counts the lobar arteries and excludes counting the segmental arteries. Is it your opinion that each segmental artery can be individually reported? For example, if the provider performed selective catheterization on the right side of the medial basal segment, the posterior basal segment and the lateral basal segment would this count as three (3) total under the lower lobe or count as one (1) since all are in the lower lobe?

Answer:

You can bill 36015 for each distinct selective catheterization, but only when those vessels are legitimately separate branches per the CPT Appendix L vascular-family hierarchy.

Segmental or subsegmental arteries within the same lobar distribution are not separately reportable; they are included in a single unit of 36015 for that lobe. Therefore, selective catheterization of the medial basal, posterior basal, and lateral basal segmental branches would count as one (1) selective catheterization under the right lower-lobe pulmonary artery, not three.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/04/25.