AMA CPT® Assistant - 1998 Issue 3 (March)
Cardiovascular Surgery, 36415 (Q&A) (March 1998)
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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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
Code Ranges Discussed
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