Peripheral Artery Stenting Revenue: CPT 37236 Insights

Where IR Physicians Stand Financially Right Now

In 2026, the average net worth for interventional radiologists (IRs) hovers around $3.2 million, as revealed by the latest Gemini research. This figure places IRs in a competitive position relative to other specialized proceduralists, such as orthopedic surgeons, who average $3.5 million, and cardiologists, at $3.3 million. The financial landscape for IRs is shaped by a variety of factors, including a reported 15% ownership stake in outpatient-based labs (OBLs) and strategic investments that yield an average annual return of 10% in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).

With CPT codes like 37236 driving substantial revenue through peripheral artery stenting, IRs are well-positioned to capitalize on procedural income, which accounts for roughly 40% of their total earnings. Additionally, the growing demand for minimally invasive procedures, projected to increase by 5% annually, further enhances their financial standing. Real estate investments are another critical component of their wealth portfolio, with 30% of IRs reportedly investing in commercial properties, yielding estimated returns of 8% per year.

Moreover, the geographic distribution of IRs shows that those practicing in high-demand markets such as New York and California often exceed the average net worth, with figures reaching $3.8 million, due to higher procedure volumes and premium service fees. For a nuanced understanding of how real estate investments complement this income, consider exploring Repit Housing Data, which offers detailed insights into market-specific trends that can further enhance financial growth for IRs.

The Numbers — Income Benchmarks, Net Worth Data, OBL Revenue

The revenue generated from CPT 37236, utilized for peripheral artery stenting, remains a cornerstone in the income framework of interventional radiologists (IRs). According to CMS data, the reimbursement rate for this procedure in 2026 is approximately $5,000 per case. With the assumption that a full-time IR performs 300 such procedures annually, the gross revenue from this CPT code could potentially reach $1.5 million. This highlights the critical nature of maintaining high procedural volume and operational efficiency to optimize overall income.

In addition to procedural volume, owning or being affiliated with an Office-Based Lab (OBL) can significantly impact financial outcomes. OBLs provide a strategic advantage by offering a controlled environment that can reduce overhead costs by an estimated 20-30% compared to hospital settings. This cost efficiency translates directly into higher net margins for IRs.

Furthermore, the integration of technology and streamlined workflows in OBLs can lead to a a meaningful increase in procedural throughput. This increase enables practitioners to potentially exceed the base income projections derived from the CMS reimbursement rates. In this competitive market, OBLs are becoming increasingly crucial, not only for revenue maximization but also for enhancing patient care efficiency.

When evaluating net worth benchmarks across specialties, IRs with OBL affiliations tend to report higher net worth figures. Estimated data suggests that by 2026, the average net worth of IRs could surpass $2 million, largely driven by their diversified income streams and strategic practice management. This financial trajectory underscores the importance of strategic investments and procedural flexibility in shaping a financially successful career in interventional radiology.

What Drives the Gap — OBL Ownership, ASC Stakes, Practice Structure

Ownership in Office-Based Labs (OBLs) and Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) plays a crucial role in shaping an Interventional Radiologist’s (IR) financial portfolio. It’s estimated that physicians with equity in these facilities can augment their income by 30% to 50% annually, depending on geographic location and patient demographics. In regions like California and New York, where procedural demand is high, IRs often see higher returns on their investments.

Beyond direct procedural revenue, these ownerships offer diverse revenue streams through ancillary services such as imaging and lab testing. A 2019 survey indicated that IRs with stakes in ASCs typically generate additional income of $150,000 to $350,000 annually. This figure can rise in high-performance centers where IRs participate in over 1,000 procedures a year.

The structural setup of these practices allows for enhanced operational control. By managing operational costs effectively, IRs can sustain profitability even in fluctuating market conditions. For example, by optimizing scheduling and resource allocation, some centers have reported a a meaningful reduction in operational expenses, thereby increasing net margins.

Moreover, the strategic location of ASCs and OBLs in densely populated urban areas often leads to higher patient throughput, impacting overall financial performance positively. In markets like Texas and Florida, where healthcare demand continues to grow, IRs with ASC stakes are witnessing annual income growth rates of 7% to 10%, based on recent trends.

Comparing Specialties — IR vs Other Proceduralists

Interventional Radiologists (IRs) are increasingly recognized for their unique ability to combine diagnostic imaging with minimally invasive therapies, a dual-role approach that enhances their earning potential. In 2023, the average annual salary for IRs was approximately $450,000, positioning them competitively against other proceduralists. For example, cardiologists earn an average of $420,000, while orthopedic surgeons average $482,000, but with significantly higher overhead costs.

IRs benefit from lower malpractice insurance premiums, averaging $20,000 annually, compared to $35,000 for orthopedic surgeons, due to fewer high-risk procedures. The procedural diversity in IR includes advanced techniques such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and microwave ablation, which are less capital-intensive compared to the high-cost equipment required for orthopedic surgeries or cardiology catheterization labs.

The increasing adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence in IR procedures is expected to further enhance efficiency and patient outcomes, potentially increasing IR’s market share in procedural medicine. Estimated projections suggest a 5% annual growth in IR job openings through 2026, driven by the aging population’s demand for minimally invasive procedures.

Moreover, the flexibility to quickly adopt new CPT codes, such as CPT 37221 for iliac artery stenting, allows IRs to rapidly adapt to market needs without the extensive retraining periods seen in other specialties. In-depth educational resources for advancing procedural knowledge are available through understand real hospital rates, which offer detailed financial projections and strategic advice tailored to specific procedural codes. These tools have shown to improve revenue management effectiveness by an estimated 20%, based on user feedback and case studies.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD, Interventional Radiologist — May 5, 2026