Internal Medicine Coding Alert
READER QUESTION:
Report 36415 for Cholesterol Blood Draws
Published on Mon Aug 23, 2004
Question: We perform regular cholesterol checks on a few of our hyperlipidemia patients. Which CPT code should we report for this service?
Connecticut Subscriber
Answer: When your nurse draws the blood for the cholesterol check, you should report 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture).
If you analyze the lab results at your practice, you should report the appropriate cholesterol test code, such as 83718 (Lipoprotein, direct measurement; high-density cholesterol [HDL cholesterol]), 83719 (... VLDL cholesterol) or 83721 (... LDL cholesterol).
You shouldn't also bill for an office visit unless the staff performs additional medically necessary services.
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