decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2012 Issue 4 (April)
Ask a Part B News expert: Can you bill an E/M with venipuncture?
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This short Q&A article addresses whether an office evaluation and management visit can be billed along with venipuncture when blood is drawn for outside laboratory testing. It is aimed at physician practices, coders, and billing staff who need a general understanding of Medicare payment and common payer handling for this scenario. The article also notes that payer policies may differ and references a claim modifier sometimes associated with separately identifiable E/M services.
Why This Topic Matters
Practices frequently encounter questions about whether diagnostic blood collection can be reported in addition to an office visit. Understanding the general billing issue helps staff review payer requirements and avoid unnecessary claim denials.
What You Will Learn
- The general billing relationship between an office E/M service and venipuncture.
- How Medicare and other payers may handle payment for blood collection.
- Why payer-specific policies can affect claim reporting in this situation.
- The role of a modifier sometimes associated with separately identifiable E/M services.
Who Should Read This
- Physician office coders
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle teams
- Practice managers
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com