Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: The 2011 CPT® manual shows that an instruction under 36592 is new. Does it change how we can report this code?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: The change to the instruction shouldn't alter how you code. CPT® 2011 revised the line note you mentioned so that it now states, "Do not report 36592 in conjunction with other services except a laboratory service."

Although the 2010 instruction stated, "Do not report 36592 in conjunction with any other service," you should have been able to report the blood draw and lab service together for many payers. For those that didn't allow you to report both (and paid only the lab), check whether the new instruction will change their policy.

Example: You should be able to report both 36592 (Collection of blood specimen using established central or peripheral catheter, venous, not otherwise specified) and CBC code 85025 (Blood count; complete [CBC], automated [Hgb, Hct, RBC, WBC and platelet count] and automated differential WBC count) when documentation supports reporting both