2025 CPT code 36416
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Collection of capillary blood specimen (e.g., finger, heel, ear stick).
Modifiers might be applicable depending on circumstances like the location of service or whether it's part of a more extensive procedure. Consult the official CPT manual for details.
Medical necessity for capillary blood collection will vary depending on the clinical indication.Examples include newborn screening, point-of-care testing, or situations where venous access is difficult or contraindicated.Proper documentation justifying the medical need for the test is crucial for reimbursement.
The clinical responsibility for this procedure typically falls on a physician, nurse, or other qualified healthcare professional trained in performing capillary blood collections. Responsibilities include preparing the site, safely performing the puncture, collecting the adequate amount of blood, and ensuring appropriate post-procedure care to prevent bleeding and infection.
In simple words: This code covers the process of taking a small blood sample from a prick in the finger, heel, or ear. A small needle is used to make the prick, and then a few drops of blood are collected. The healthcare provider then presses on the site to stop the bleeding. This is a common way to get a blood sample quickly.
This CPT code, 36416, describes the procedure of collecting a capillary blood sample from a patient's finger, heel, or ear using a lancet or other sharp instrument to puncture the skin and collect the resulting droplets of blood.The procedure involves preparing the site, making the puncture, collecting the sample, and applying pressure to stop any bleeding. This code may be used for various diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
Example 1: A pediatrician collects a capillary blood sample from an infant's heel for newborn screening tests., A nurse collects a capillary blood sample from an adult's finger for glucose monitoring., A phlebotomist collects a capillary blood sample from an adult's earlobe for blood alcohol testing.
* Patient identification* Site of puncture* Volume of blood collected* Method of collection* Date and time of collection* Any complications* Appropriate labeling and handling of the sample.
** This code's application can extend to various settings where quick blood sampling is needed. Ensure proper documentation aligns with the specific context.Consult relevant guidelines for specific requirements and any limitations.
- Revenue Code: T1A (LAB TESTS - ROUTINE VENIPUNCTURE)
- RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary based on factors such as geographic location, facility type (if applicable), and payer.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for specific RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not typically applied to this code since it represents a simple blood collection procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data for CPT code 36416 would need to be obtained from relevant sources such as CMS fee schedules or private payer information.This data is not readily available in the provided text.
- Specialties:Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and other specialties requiring rapid point-of-care blood testing.
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital Inpatient, Hospital Outpatient, Emergency Room, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Other Place of Service