Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Code Convalescent Plasma Infusion for COVID-19 Patient
Question: We have a hematopathologist who is performing convalescent plasma infusion for COVID-19 patients. The work involves identifying ABO and Rh compatible convalescent patients with high SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers, taking plasma from those patients, and infusing the plasma into the COVID-19 patient. How should we code this? Texas Subscriber Answer: The appropriate code is 36430 (Transfusion, blood or blood components). You should consider convalescent plasma a blood component. As such, the procedure you describe is just like any other transfusion or infusion using a plasma product. Context: The FDA has issued guidance for the use of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 patients, available at www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/investigational-new-drug-ind-or-device-exemption-ide-process-cber/recommendations-investigational-covid-19-convalescent-plasma. You can also find a directory of trials and clinics involved in this treatment at ccpp19.org/index.html.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
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Code Convalescent Plasma Infusion for COVID-19 Patient
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