Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: How should we submit a blood draw when that's the patient's only service of the day? It's drawn from the port and we send it to an outside lab for processing. North Carolina Subscriber Answer: If you-re drawing from a port, submit 36591 (Collection of blood specimen from a completely implantable venous access device). Keep in mind: Although 36591 is accurate, many payers don't want providers drawing blood from the patient's port for convenience only. You-ll need a documented reason for medical necessity, such as being unable to access veins. PICC note: If the patient has a PICC instead of a port, submit 36592 (Collection of blood specimen using established central or peripheral catheter, venous, not otherwise specified). Because you-re sending the bloodwork to an outside laboratory, you also can report 99000 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physician's office to a laboratory). Some payers won't reimburse for the service, but your physician could consider negotiating it at contract time.