Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: Are we allowed to bill 36416 with 85018?

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.