Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
New to Blood Draw Coding? Read This
Question: We normally draw a patients blood and do a CBC in our office. Recently our CBC machine was down, and we had to send the blood to the hospital lab. Can we bill for the blood collection? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: You should be able to report the blood draw, but note that some payers bundle the code into the office visit or other service performed on the same date. The most likely code will be 36415 (Collection of venous blood by venipuncture). Code 36591 (Collection of blood specimen from a completely implantable venous access device) or 36592 (Collection of blood specimen using established central or peripheral catheter, venous, not otherwise specified) also may be appropriate depending on the collection method. Dont miss: In addition to the specimen collection, you also may charge 99000 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physicians office to a laboratory) if your office centrifuges the specimen,separates the serum and labels, and packages the specimens for transport to the laboratory.
Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert
- Case Study:
Tackle This Infusion Coding Service Successfully From Start to Finish
See what the authorities say about billing concurrent saline -- CPT and HCPCS. Six hours of [...] - Put 'Push' Questions Behind You
Dont get stuck in the trap of assuming you can code a push only if [...] - 250 cc D5W? Watch Your Step
Several payers have guidelines stating you should not report fluids unless you meet specific requirements. [...] - Keep Track of Services Included in Infusion
You should not report the following separately if performed to facilitate a therapeutic/diagnostic infusion or [...] - 203.x0:
Shine the Spotlight on Multiple Myeloma ICD-9 Coding
Simplify your coding choices when documentation doesnt go into specifics. ICD-9 2009 broadened your coding [...] - Master CMS Observation Rules to Breathe Easy at Audit Time
Count the hours for single-day stays, or beware the consequences. Physicians are admitting more patients [...] - You Be the Coder:
Code Scope Based on Exam or Entry Site?
Question: A patient presented for a larynx examination to see how shes responding to treatment, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Multiple Codes Cover Port-a-Cath Malfunction
Question: Which diagnosis code is appropriate for malfunctioning of a Port-a-Cath? Is it a V [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Treat 2 Areas, Double Neoplasm Dx
Question: Which diagnosis codes should I report when a patient presents for radiation therapy treating [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Follow 'Quality' Examples for HPI
Question: Can we use the patients diagnosis as quality under HPI? Maryland Subscriber Answer: No. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
New to Blood Draw Coding? Read This
Question: We normally draw a patients blood and do a CBC in our office. Recently [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Link Lactated Ringer's to J7120
Question: Which HCPCS code should I report for a lactate ringer bag? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Supply May Be Key to Transfusion Payment
Question: Should I report 36430 twice if we supply both packed red blood cells and [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Choose 77427 -- Not E/M -- for Weekly Check
Question: Ive just started coding radiation oncology and heard the oncologist can bill an E/M [...] - Clarification:
Expand Your Med Options With Torisel, Treanda Codes in Oncology and Hematology Coding Alert, Vol. [...]
