Reader Questions:
36416 With 85018: True, But Better To Be Aware of Bundles
Question:
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.