Pathology and Laboratory: Hematology and Coagulation (Q&A) (April 2019)
April 2019 page 11a
Pathology and Laboratory: Hematology and Coagulation
Question: A hospital offers thromboelastography to better optimize transfusion utilization. Is it appropriate to report the service with a combination of CPT codes 85576, Platelet aggregation (in vitro), each agent; code 85347, Coagulation time, activated; code 85384, Fibrinogen; activity; and code 85390, Fibrinolysins or coagulopathy screen, interpretation and report?
Answer: No, CPT code 85396, Coagulation/fibrinolysis assay, whole blood (eg, viscoelastic clot assessment), including use of any pharmacologic additive(s), as indicated, including interpretation and written report, per day, is specific to this service. Unbundling of this test into individually reported...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This article is a brief coding question-and-answer discussion from CPT Assistant focused on hematology and coagulation laboratory services. It explains the topic area, identifies the relevant CPT coding framework, and notes the general type of reporting guidance addressed for a hospital laboratory setting. The piece is useful for coders, billing staff, and laboratory compliance professionals who need to understand how this service is discussed in the context of CPT Assistant guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers determine whether the article is relevant to laboratory coding workflow, CPT reporting, and professional component billing considerations for a specialized coagulation test.
What You Will Learn
How the article frames a hematology and coagulation laboratory coding question
What general CPT reporting issue the Q&A addresses
Why the topic may matter for hospital laboratory billing and compliance
How professional component billing is discussed at a high level
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