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? Answer: When your nurse draws the blood for the cholesterol check, you should report 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture).
Connecticut Subscriber
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.
Other Articles in this issue of
Internal Medicine Coding Alert
- 3 Injection-Coding Tips That All IM Coders Must Master
Know the difference between 90782 and 90471 - or face denials
Internists often give injections, and [...] - Condition of the Month:
Are You At Risk for Using Incorrect CVA Diagnosis Codes?
Why the rules change when you report a stroke's 'late effects'
Heads up, coders: When you [...] - Here's How to Report 'Late Effects' Codes With Confidence
2 quick tips will keep 'complications' out of your coding
Don't be [...] - Don't Let Initial Hospital Payment Slip Through Your Fingers
Get the lowdown on how to code same-day office visits and hospital admits
Your internist admits [...] - You Be the Coder:
Fatigue or Anemia?
Question: A patient complained of fatigue and shortness of breath. We sent blood samples to [...] - READER QUESTION:
Home Services or Rest Home Codes?
Question: Once a month, our physician visits home-bound elderly patients who live in a retirement [...] - READER QUESTION:
Report 36415 for Cholesterol Blood Draws
Question: We perform regular cholesterol checks on a few of our hyperlipidemia patients. Which CPT [...] - READER QUESTION:
Look to 99221 for Glucometer Training
Question: Our nurse often teaches patients how to use a glucometer. Which CPT code should [...] - READER QUESTION:
Use V15.81 for Noncompliance
Question: We performed a nine-panel drug screen on a patient because the internist believed that [...] - READER QUESTION:
Physician Who Examines Patient Bills 99235
Question: Dr. Smith was on-call and admitted a patient to the hospital. On the same [...] - READER QUESTION:
Include Wound VAC Treatment in E/M
Question: Which code should we report if the physician uses a vacuum device to clean [...] - READER QUESTION:
Carriers Reimburse Only Patients for A4627
Question: Can we get reimbursed for drugs (e.g., J7619, Albuterol, unit dose) and durable medical [...]
View All
