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Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Coding Blood Collection

Published on Sun Aug 22, 2004

Question: Which code should we use for a blood  draw only? We do not have a lab, and we send the specimen out.
Florida Subscriber Answer: You can choose from several codes when you report blood draws. You can find the codes in the Surgery/Cardiovascular System/Venous section of CPT, as follows:

 36415 - Collection of venous blood by venipuncture
 36416 - Collection of capillary blood specimen
 99000 - Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physician's office to a laboratory.

In addition to billing for the specimen collection, you can report the transfer as well (99000), although many plans will not pay for both obtaining the specimen and the transfer.

You also have the option of using an E/M code such as 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician ...). Some insurance companies may not allow you to bill 36415 separately from an E/M visit, so check with your carrier.
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