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Primary Care Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

36416 With 85018: Yes, But Be Aware of Bundles

Published on Thu Jan 13, 2011

Question: Are we allowed to bill 36416 with 85018? Answer: Yes, you can submit 36416 (Collection of capillary blood specimen [eg, finger, heel, ear stick]) with 85018 (Blood count; hemoglobin [Hgb]). Some payers, such as Medicare, will not pay for 36416 because they consider it a "bundled" service. Check the guidelines for the payer in question to be sure you file correctly and to know what to expect from reimbursement.
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