Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

New to Blood Draw Coding? Read This

Published on Thu May 28, 2009

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 [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All