Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: My provider cleansed the venipuncture site on the patient’s upper arm with 70 percent alcohol. They allowed the area to dry and wrapped an elastic band tightly around the upper arm so that the vein at the arm swelled. Next, my provider inserted a needle slowly into the vein, taking care not to puncture the posterior wall of the vein. They drew around 5 mL of blood into a collection tube. Lastly, they removed the needle and applied direct pressure onto the puncture site to stop the bleeding. Which code should I report on my claim?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: You should report 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture) on your claim.

Coding tip: Never report modifier 63 (Procedure performed on infants less than 4 kg) in conjunction with 36415.

Venipuncture defined: Venipuncture is a puncture of the vein, which the provider performs to collect a venous blood sample or to provide an intravenous infusion of drugs.