Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How should we code for blood cell harvest of hemocytes?

California Subscriber

Answer: According to the American Medical Association, you can report 86999 (Unlisted transfusion medicine procedure), but only if your physician performs the harvest. Include an ICD-9 body part diagnosis.

-- Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, director of orthopedic coding services at The Coding Network LLC; and Bill Mallon, MD, orthopedic surgeon and medical director at Triangle Orthopaedic Associates in Durham, N.C.