March 1998 page 10b
Coding Consultation
Cardiovascular Surgery, 36415 (Q&A)
Question
Is the collection of a specimen via venipuncture considered an integral part of the laboratory procedure performed or is it appropriate to report CPT code 36415, Routine venipuncture or finger/heel/ear stick for collection of specimen(s), for the collection of the specimen(s) by venipuncture in addition to the appropriate code(s) from the 80000 series for the laboratory procedure performed?
AMA Comment
From a CPT coding perspective, the laboratory CPT codes (80000 series of codes) are for reporting the performance of the lab test only and do not include...
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Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This short CPT Assistant Q&A addresses how specimen collection is discussed in relation to laboratory testing and when a separate reporting entry may be considered. It is relevant to coding professionals working with laboratory services, cardiovascular surgery-related practice workflows, and Medicare reporting distinctions. The article also points to the broader laboratory code series involved in the discussion and identifies the related HCPCS Level II item used for Medicare reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coders understand the scope of laboratory test reporting versus specimen collection reporting and recognize that Medicare may use a different reporting code for the same collection service.
What You Will Learn
How the article frames specimen collection in relation to laboratory testing
What general reporting distinction is discussed for non-Medicare versus Medicare claims
Which code sets are referenced in connection with the topic
How the Q&A format presents coding consultation guidance
Who Should Read This
Medical coders
Coding auditors
Billing staff
Compliance professionals
Laboratory billing personnel
Codes Discussed
CPT: 36415
HCPCS Level II: G0001
Code Ranges Discussed
CPT: 80000 series
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