CGHS Rates for Dialysis Vascular Access Procedures in India

For individuals with kidney failure, dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment. Effective dialysis, particularly haemodialysis, depends on reliable and long-term access to the bloodstream. This is achieved through specific surgical procedures to create what is known as vascular access. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) provides coverage for these essential procedures at empanelled healthcare facilities.

This guide outlines the CGHS package rates for various types of vascular access and related procedures. These include the creation of Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas and grafts, the insertion of different types of catheters for haemodialysis, and procedures for peritoneal dialysis access (CAPD catheters). It also covers related therapeutic interventions like plasmapheresis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The rates provided are determined by CGHS and vary based on the specific procedure and the accreditation status of the hospital (NABH or non-NABH).

CGHS Dialysis Vascular Access & Catheter Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

These are the procedures that create or maintain dialysis access — the separate cghs-dialysis-rate-list page covers the per-session haemodialysis charge itself. All carry no separate super-speciality rate except the AV graft below, listed separately.

• Arteriovenous shunt for haemodialysis, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• Arteriovenous shunt for haemodialysis, NABH — Rs 20,000
• Fistula stenosis dilation, Non-NABH — Rs 11,390
• Fistula stenosis dilation, NABH — Rs 13,400
• Jugular catheterization for haemodialysis, Non-NABH — Rs 5,100
• Jugular catheterization for haemodialysis, NABH — Rs 6,000
• Single-lumen jugular catheterization, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• Single-lumen jugular catheterization, NABH — Rs 5,000
• Subclavian catheterization for haemodialysis, Non-NABH — Rs 5,100
• Subclavian catheterization for haemodialysis, NABH — Rs 6,000
• Single-lumen subclavian catheterization, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• Single-lumen subclavian catheterization, NABH — Rs 5,000
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, single lumen, one side, Non-NABH — Rs 3,400
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, single lumen, one side, NABH — Rs 4,000
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, single lumen, bilateral, Non-NABH — Rs 5,100
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, single lumen, bilateral, NABH — Rs 6,000
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, double lumen, Non-NABH — Rs 11,390
• Femoral catheterization for haemodialysis, double lumen, NABH — Rs 13,400
• Permcath insertion (excluding cost of catheter), Non-NABH — Rs 7,225
• Permcath insertion (excluding cost of catheter), NABH — Rs 8,500

Arteriovenous Graft Surgery

• Arteriovenous prosthetic graft, Non-NABH — Rs 36,550
• Arteriovenous prosthetic graft, NABH — Rs 43,000
• Arteriovenous prosthetic graft, Super Speciality — Rs 49,450

Peritoneal Dialysis & Related Procedures

• CAPD catheter insertion, open method, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• CAPD catheter insertion, open method, NABH — Rs 20,000
• CAPD catheter insertion, Schlendinger/Seldinger method, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• CAPD catheter insertion, Schlendinger/Seldinger method, NABH — Rs 20,000
• Acute peritoneal dialysis, Non-NABH — Rs 4,505
• Acute peritoneal dialysis, NABH — Rs 5,300
• Continuous veno-venous / arteriovenous haemofiltration / CRRT, per day, Non-NABH — Rs 14,450
• Continuous veno-venous / arteriovenous haemofiltration / CRRT, per day, NABH — Rs 17,000
• Slow continuous ultrafiltration, Non-NABH — Rs 7,225
• Slow continuous ultrafiltration, NABH — Rs 8,500
• Plasma exchange / plasmapheresis, Non-NABH — Rs 17,000
• Plasma exchange / plasmapheresis, NABH — Rs 20,000

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

Who This Covers

This rate guide is for CGHS beneficiaries who have been advised to undergo a procedure to create, maintain, or use vascular access for dialysis or other related medical treatments. The rates apply to patients requiring any of the following specific interventions:

• Creation of vascular access for haemodialysis, such as an Arteriovenous (AV) shunt/fistula or a prosthetic graft.

• Management of access complications, like dilation for a fistula stenosis.

• Insertion of temporary or long-term catheters for haemodialysis, including Jugular, Subclavian, Femoral, and Permcath placement.

• Surgical insertion of a catheter for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD).

• Patients requiring therapeutic procedures such as plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or continuous forms of renal replacement therapy (CRRT/CVVH/SCUF) in an inpatient setting.

What CGHS Covers vs. What You Pay Separately

The CGHS package rates listed for these procedures are intended to be comprehensive, covering the cost of the operation itself, surgeon's fees, anaesthesia, operation theatre charges, and a defined period of hospital stay. However, certain high-cost items are often excluded from the package rate and must be paid for separately by the beneficiary.

Typically, the cost of implants and specialized consumables are not included. For the procedures on this page, this may include the prosthetic graft material for an AV graft, the Permcath catheter itself (the rate explicitly covers insertion only), special drugs, or other high-cost disposable items. The final bill will be a combination of the CGHS package rate and the cost of these separately billed items at CGHS-approved prices.

It is important to have a detailed discussion with the hospital's billing department before the procedure. Request a written estimate that clearly separates the costs covered under the CGHS package from the items that will be billed to you directly.

How to Use This at a CGHS-Empanelled Hospital

To avail of these rates at a CGHS-empanelled hospital, beneficiaries should follow a standard process. First, obtain a valid referral for the specific procedure from a government specialist or a CGHS Wellness Centre. This documentation is mandatory for receiving cashless treatment at private empanelled hospitals.

Upon arriving at the hospital, present your CGHS card, the referral letter, and a copy of your identity proof at the CGHS counter. Inform the desk about the prescribed procedure. It is a good practice to show them the specific procedure name and code from the CGHS list to prevent any confusion.

The hospital will charge based on its accreditation status. Hospitals with NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) accreditation are eligible for a higher reimbursement rate than non-NABH accredited facilities. This rate is fixed based on the hospital's status and is not a choice for the patient. Confirm the final payable amount, including any out-of-pocket expenses for non-covered items, before admission to the hospital for the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AV fistula and why is it needed for haemodialysis?

An Arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a surgical connection made between an artery and a vein, usually in the arm. This connection allows the vein to enlarge and strengthen, making it suitable for the repeated needle insertions required for haemodialysis. It provides a durable, high-flow access point to the bloodstream.

Does the CGHS rate for 'Permcath insertion' include the cost of the catheter?

No. As specified in the CGHS rate list, the package rate for 'Permcath insertion' covers only the surgical procedure to place the catheter. The cost of the Permcath catheter itself is excluded and must be paid for separately by the beneficiary at the CGHS-approved price.

How is a CAPD catheter different from a haemodialysis catheter?

A CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) catheter is inserted into the abdominal cavity, not a blood vessel. It allows dialysis solution to be infused into and drained from the peritoneal cavity to perform peritoneal dialysis. Haemodialysis catheters are placed in large veins (like the jugular or femoral vein) to draw and return blood during haemodialysis.

What is plasmapheresis or plasma exchange?

Plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure that involves removing blood, separating the plasma (the liquid part) from the blood cells, and then returning the blood cells to the body, often with a replacement fluid. It is used to treat various autoimmune and neurological disorders by removing harmful antibodies or proteins from the plasma.

My AV fistula has narrowed. Is the treatment for this covered?

Yes, the CGHS list includes a procedure for 'Fistula stenosis dilation'. Stenosis is the medical term for narrowing. This procedure involves using a balloon to widen the narrowed segment of the fistula to restore adequate blood flow for dialysis. The rates for this procedure are covered under CGHS.

What is the difference between a temporary haemodialysis catheter and a Permcath?

A temporary haemodialysis catheter (e.g., jugular, subclavian, femoral) is typically used for short-term dialysis needs, lasting weeks to a few months. A Permcath is a type of tunneled, cuffed catheter designed for longer-term use, lasting for many months or even years, when an AV fistula or graft is not an option.

What should I do if the hospital's quoted price is different from the CGHS rate?

First, clarify with the hospital's billing department if the difference is due to items not covered by the CGHS package, such as the cost of a graft or a specific catheter. Request an itemized estimate. If the discrepancy is in the package rate itself, refer them to the official CGHS rate list for the specific procedure code. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact CGHS authorities for clarification.

Related

• How to apply for a CGHS card
• CGHS rate list for common procedures
• CGHS vs Ayushman Bharat: what's the difference

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.