Wiki Wire Removal With Culture

[itarish]

Can someone please advise:

The doctor did a sternal wire removal on a pt with a previous CABG. Once inside, the doctor noticed exudative fluid around the wires and sent a culture of the fluid.

My question is: Can I bill for both the wire removal and the culture?
Any help would be so appreciated. Thanks

 

[conleyclan]

I have never coded for anything that was removed for culture or biopsy. The lab will bill for the culture.

 

[itarish]

Thanks so much for your help. That's what I was thinking but wanted to double check. Thanks again.