Radiology Coding Alert

Switch up 2 other vascular access device codes to match CPT 2008Years have passed since CPT first heard the request for a PICC blood draw code, but the latest code offerings deliver.CPT 2008 adds 36592 (Collection of blood specimen using established central or peripheral catheter, venous, not otherwise specified), satisfying the need for a code to report drawing blood from a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).Such a code was proposed at the CPT Editorial Panel's meeting in 2006 but did not appear in the 2007 CPT manual.For 2007 services, you should include the PICC blood draw as part of the evaluation and management service -- but you can't use this service to raise your E/M levels.Two other procedures have been given new CPT code numbers to fit the new numbering scheme, although the code definitions did not change.Current code 36540 (Collection of blood specimen from a completely implantable venous access device) becomes 36591 in 2008, and 36550 (Declotting by thrombolytic agent of implanted vascular access device or catheter) becomes 36593.