CPT code 36226: Vertebral angiography, direct vertebral selection2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Montana
Reports direct selective catheterization of one vertebral artery with angiographic evaluation of its cervical and intracranial circulation.
In Montana, Medicare pays $2,285.83 for 36226 in the office and $329.20 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 36226 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 36226 covers
Code 36226 covers advancing a catheter directly into a vertebral artery and imaging the ipsilateral vertebral circulation in the neck and intracranially. Neurointerventional radiologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, and other physicians may perform the study in a hospital angiography suite or another appropriately equipped setting. It is used in diagnostic cerebral angiography evaluating conditions such as vertebrobasilar stenosis, arterial dissection, aneurysm, or vascular malformation. The service includes the selective catheter placement and the associated angiographic imaging of that circulation.
Report one unit for each side selectively studied, with the catheter position and imaged territory documented. A catheter left in the subclavian artery, rather than advanced directly into the vertebral artery, points to 36225 instead. CMS assigns a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. When multiple procedures occur in the same session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. Bilateral reporting with modifier 50 is paid at 150%. Assistant-at-surgery payment is restricted; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How Montana compares for 36226
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 36226 runs from $1,970.26 in Arkansas to $3,170.72 in San Benito County, CA. Montana pays $2,285.83. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- Montana · this page$2,285.83
- Los Angeles, CA · California$2,642.12+$356.29
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$2,663.47+$377.64
- Miami, FL · Florida$2,466.77+$180.94
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$2,380.52+$94.69
- Manhattan, NY · New York$2,663.54+$377.71
- Alaska · Alaska$2,490.07+$204.24
Other areas in Montana first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $2,005.82 | $293.78 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $1,970.26 | $289.52 |
| ArizonaArizona | $2,214.15 | $318.18 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $2,458.52 | $314.05 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $2,453.75 | $309.29 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $2,909.08 | $330.25 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $2,634.83 | $322.10 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $2,473.96 | $329.50 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $2,592.53 | $316.97 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $2,583.44 | $315.71 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $2,658.30 | $318.17 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $3,098.14 | $339.30 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $3,095.96 | $337.12 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $3,170.72 | $349.26 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $3,161.80 | $340.35 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $2,540.22 | $311.62 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $2,694.43 | $317.13 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $2,596.95 | $315.53 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $2,722.50 | $319.77 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $2,905.93 | $327.10 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $2,453.43 | $308.97 |
| ColoradoColorado | $2,403.53 | $321.68 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $2,458.91 | $351.63 |
| DelawareDelaware | $2,256.28 | $323.13 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $2,364.01 | $381.95 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $2,229.40 | $358.87 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $2,331.75 | $343.82 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $2,080.28 | $334.97 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $2,535.48 | $310.80 |
| IowaIowa | $2,075.72 | $285.41 |
| IdahoIdaho | $2,090.69 | $290.59 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $2,189.51 | $389.42 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $2,146.46 | $360.06 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $2,391.39 | $381.93 |
| IndianaIndiana | $2,105.65 | $291.86 |
| KansasKansas | $2,060.38 | $291.59 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $2,056.46 | $317.02 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $2,175.59 | $334.41 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $2,051.15 | $319.53 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $2,678.82 | $342.61 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $2,383.17 | $322.84 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $2,451.76 | $352.30 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $2,306.95 | $326.85 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $2,100.24 | $300.15 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $2,244.13 | $305.11 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $2,259.31 | $371.16 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $2,118.63 | $332.23 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $2,299.34 | $285.98 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $2,161.36 | $324.09 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $2,189.20 | $326.50 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $2,005.75 | $319.14 |
| MississippiMississippi | $1,988.66 | $304.01 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $2,127.57 | $302.04 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $2,247.86 | $291.24 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $2,090.65 | $284.69 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $2,360.70 | $323.85 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $2,626.08 | $356.40 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $2,486.01 | $349.37 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $2,131.32 | $337.09 |
| NevadaNevada | $2,277.27 | $318.69 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $2,735.42 | $408.99 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $2,500.33 | $357.82 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $2,694.67 | $381.94 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $2,165.99 | $307.20 |
| OhioOhio | $2,110.87 | $324.47 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $2,055.69 | $308.42 |
| Portland, OROregon | $2,496.84 | $323.03 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $2,258.84 | $310.04 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $2,384.75 | $347.90 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $2,116.92 | $320.74 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $2,307.20 | $329.05 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $2,349.50 | $328.31 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $2,122.94 | $315.02 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $2,243.38 | $286.75 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $2,072.59 | $294.02 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $2,396.12 | $326.01 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $2,099.75 | $319.22 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $2,255.31 | $316.30 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $2,270.61 | $321.81 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $2,251.26 | $322.03 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $2,262.43 | $319.50 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $2,297.57 | $354.64 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $2,176.80 | $319.96 |
| UtahUtah | $2,158.31 | $319.08 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $2,232.79 | $309.43 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $2,307.20 | $329.05 |
| VermontVermont | $2,234.09 | $297.03 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $2,380.25 | $319.93 |
| King County, WAWashington | $2,742.57 | $341.79 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $2,156.81 | $282.36 |
| West VirginiaWest Virginia | $2,049.18 | $348.88 |
| WyomingWyoming | $2,269.28 | $312.66 |
36226 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$1,970.26
$2,812.08
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $2,490.07 | 1 |
| AL | $2,005.82 | 1 |
| AR | $1,970.26 | 1 |
| AZ | $2,214.15 | 1 |
| CA | $2,453.43–$3,170.72 | 29 |
| CO | $2,403.53 | 1 |
| CT | $2,458.91 | 1 |
| DC | $2,663.47 | 1 |
| DE | $2,256.28 | 1 |
| FL | $2,229.40–$2,466.77 | 3 |
| GA | $2,080.28–$2,331.75 | 2 |
| GU | $2,535.48 | 1 |
| HI | $2,535.48 | 1 |
| IA | $2,075.72 | 1 |
| ID | $2,090.69 | 1 |
| IL | $2,146.46–$2,391.39 | 4 |
| IN | $2,105.65 | 1 |
| KS | $2,060.38 | 1 |
| KY | $2,056.46 | 1 |
| LA | $2,051.15–$2,175.59 | 2 |
| MA | $2,383.17–$2,678.82 | 2 |
| MD | $2,306.95–$2,663.47 | 3 |
| ME | $2,100.24–$2,244.13 | 2 |
| MI | $2,118.63–$2,259.31 | 2 |
| MN | $2,299.34 | 1 |
| MO | $2,005.75–$2,189.20 | 3 |
| MS | $1,988.66 | 1 |
| MT | $2,285.83 | 1 |
| NC | $2,127.57 | 1 |
| ND | $2,247.86 | 1 |
| NE | $2,090.65 | 1 |
| NH | $2,360.70 | 1 |
| NJ | $2,486.01–$2,626.08 | 2 |
| NM | $2,131.32 | 1 |
| NV | $2,277.27 | 1 |
| NY | $2,165.99–$2,735.42 | 5 |
| OH | $2,110.87 | 1 |
| OK | $2,055.69 | 1 |
| OR | $2,258.84–$2,496.84 | 2 |
| PA | $2,116.92–$2,384.75 | 2 |
| PR | $2,307.20 | 1 |
| RI | $2,349.50 | 1 |
| SC | $2,122.94 | 1 |
| SD | $2,243.38 | 1 |
| TN | $2,072.59 | 1 |
| TX | $2,099.75–$2,396.12 | 8 |
| UT | $2,158.31 | 1 |
| VA | $2,232.79–$2,663.47 | 2 |
| VI | $2,307.20 | 1 |
| VT | $2,234.09 | 1 |
| WA | $2,380.25–$2,742.57 | 2 |
| WI | $2,156.81 | 1 |
| WV | $2,049.18 | 1 |
| WY | $2,269.28 | 1 |
How the 36226 rate is calculated
Each of 36226’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 36226
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work6.09
6.09 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense60.43
60.43 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice1.92
1.92 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
68.4400
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$2,285.96
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact Montana inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
4,452
- Code
- 36226
- Physician work
- 6.09
- Practice expense
- 60.43
- Malpractice
- 1.92
GPCI2026.csv
71
- Locality
- Montana
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 1.000
- Malpractice
- 0.998
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 6.09 | × 1.000 | 6.0900 |
| Practice expense | 60.43 | × 1.000 | 60.4300 |
| Malpractice | 1.92 | × 0.998 | 1.9162 |
| Total RVUs | 68.4362 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, Montana$2285.83
Office: (6.09 × 1 + 60.43 × 1 + 1.92 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $2285.83
Facility: (6.09 × 1 + 1.85 × 1 + 1.92 × 0.998) × $33.4009 = $329.20
Payment rules and modifiers for 36226
The CMS indicators that decide how 36226 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 36226
Vertebral angiography, direct vertebral selection
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
36226 without 50 · national office
$2,285.96
Vertebral angiography, direct vertebral selection
36226-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$3,428.94
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 36226 has changed in Montana
36226 · Office / nonfacility
$2285.83
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $384.88 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $1900.95 to $2285.83 (20.2%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$1900.95changed to$2285.83
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 6.25 changed to 6.09
- Practice expense RVU 50.66 changed to 60.43
- Malpractice RVU 1.90 changed to 1.92
- Malpractice GPCI 0.978 changed to 0.998
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$1986.22changed to$1900.95
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
- Practice expense RVU 51.58 changed to 50.66
- Malpractice RVU 1.88 changed to 1.90
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$1953.80changed to$1986.22
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$2018.00changed to$1953.80
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 51.54 changed to 51.58
- Malpractice RVU 1.80 changed to 1.88
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$2052.21changed to$2018.00
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 51.43 changed to 51.54
- Malpractice RVU 1.66 changed to 1.80
- Malpractice GPCI 0.977 changed to 0.978
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
$2116.74changed to$2052.21
- Conversion factor 34.8931 changed to 34.6062
- Practice expense RVU 52.87 changed to 51.43
- Malpractice RVU 1.58 changed to 1.66
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2021
RVU21A
$2027.01changed to$2116.74
- Conversion factor 36.0896 changed to 34.8931
- Practice expense RVU 47.96 changed to 52.87
- Malpractice RVU 1.50 changed to 1.58
- Malpractice GPCI 1.304 changed to 0.977
Held through RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
January 1, 2020
RVU20A
$1974.57changed to$2027.01
- Conversion factor 36.0391 changed to 36.0896
- Practice expense RVU 45.93 changed to 47.96
- Malpractice RVU 1.60 changed to 1.50
- Malpractice GPCI 1.631 changed to 1.304
Held through RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D.
January 1, 2019
RVU19A
$1939.59changed to$1974.57
- Conversion factor 35.9996 changed to 36.0391
- Practice expense RVU 45.10 changed to 45.93
- Malpractice RVU 1.55 changed to 1.60
Held through RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D.
January 1, 2018
RVU18AR1
$1838.75changed to$1939.59
- Conversion factor 35.8887 changed to 35.9996
- Practice expense RVU 42.87 changed to 45.10
- Malpractice RVU 1.48 changed to 1.55
- Malpractice GPCI 1.429 changed to 1.631
Held through RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D.
January 1, 2017
RVU17A
$1890.71changed to$1838.75
- Conversion factor 35.8043 changed to 35.8887
- Work RVU 6.50 changed to 6.25
- Practice expense RVU 44.48 changed to 42.87
- Malpractice RVU 1.49 changed to 1.48
- Malpractice GPCI 1.226 changed to 1.429
Held through RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D.
January 1, 2016
RVU16A
$1907.80changed to$1890.71
- Conversion factor 35.9335 changed to 35.8043
- Practice expense RVU 44.68 changed to 44.48
- Malpractice RVU 1.56 changed to 1.49
Held through RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D.
July 1, 2015
RVU15C
$1898.31changed to$1907.80
- Conversion factor 35.7547 changed to 35.9335
Held through RVU15D.
January 1, 2015
RVU15A
$1755.43changed to$1898.31
- Conversion factor 35.8228 changed to 35.7547
- Practice expense RVU 41.28 changed to 44.68
- Malpractice RVU 1.05 changed to 1.56
- Malpractice GPCI 1.165 changed to 1.226
Held through RVU15B.
January 1, 2014
RVU14A
$1752.98changed to$1755.43
- Conversion factor 34.0230 changed to 35.8228
- Practice expense RVU 43.81 changed to 41.28
- Malpractice RVU 1.10 changed to 1.05
- Malpractice GPCI 1.103 changed to 1.165
Held through RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: $1752.98
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $2,285.83 | $329.20 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $2,285.83 | $329.20 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $2,285.83 | $329.20 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $2,285.83 | $329.20 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $1,900.95 | $353.17 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $1,900.95 | $353.17 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $1,900.95 | $353.17 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $1,900.95 | $353.17 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $1,986.22 | $360.13 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $1,986.22 | $360.13 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $1,986.22 | $360.13 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $1,986.22 | $360.13 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $1,953.80 | $354.25 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $2,018.00 | $363.28 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $2,018.00 | $363.28 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $2,018.00 | $363.28 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $2,018.00 | $363.28 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $2,052.21 | $364.12 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $2,052.21 | $364.12 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $2,052.21 | $364.12 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $2,052.21 | $364.12 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | $2,116.74 | $363.02 | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | $2,116.74 | $363.02 | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | $2,116.74 | $363.02 | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | $2,116.74 | $363.02 | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | $2,027.01 | $387.46 | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | $2,027.01 | $387.46 | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | $2,027.01 | $387.46 | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | $2,027.01 | $387.46 | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | $1,974.57 | $408.67 | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | $1,974.57 | $408.67 | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | $1,974.57 | $408.67 | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | $1,974.57 | $408.67 | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | $1,939.59 | $405.29 | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | $1,939.59 | $405.29 | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | $1,939.59 | $405.29 | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | $1,939.59 | $405.29 | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | $1,838.75 | $388.13 | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | $1,838.75 | $388.13 | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | $1,838.75 | $388.13 | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | $1,838.75 | $388.13 | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | $1,890.71 | $388.72 | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | $1,890.71 | $388.72 | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | $1,890.71 | $388.72 | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | $1,890.71 | $388.72 | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | $1,907.80 | $393.92 | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | $1,907.80 | $393.92 | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | $1,898.31 | $391.96 | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | $1,898.31 | $391.96 | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | $1,755.43 | $365.51 | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | $1,755.43 | $365.51 | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | $1,755.43 | $365.51 | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | $1,755.43 | $365.51 | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | $1,752.98 | $350.55 | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | $1,752.98 | $350.55 | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | $1,752.98 | $350.55 | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | $1,752.98 | $350.55 | RVU13AR |
Where the Montana rate applies
Montana is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 497 cities and communities in Montana. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Absarokee
- Acton
- Alberton
- Alder
- Alzada
- Amsterdam
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Antelope
36226 billing questions
How do I distinguish 36226 from 36225?
Use 36226 when the catheter is selectively advanced into the vertebral artery. Use 36225 when it remains in the subclavian artery for imaging of the ipsilateral vertebral circulation.
Does 36226 include the angiographic imaging?
Yes. The code encompasses selective catheter placement and angiography of the ipsilateral vertebral artery’s cervical and intracranial circulation.
How should bilateral vertebral studies be reported?
Report the bilateral service with modifier 50 when both sides are studied. CMS pays a bilateral procedure at 150%.
What documentation supports reporting 36226?
Document the side, selective catheter position within the vertebral artery, and the cervical and intracranial territory imaged.
Can 36226 be reported with carotid angiography?
It may be part of a multivessel cerebral angiographic examination when the carotid circulation is separately selectively catheterized and imaged. Document each catheter position and the circulation studied.
Can an assistant or co-surgeon be paid for this service?
CMS applies a statutory restriction to assistant-at-surgery payment for this code. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
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