In simple words: The doctor makes a tiny cut in the skin to reach a vein and either takes a blood sample or gives medicine.This is for people who are one year old or older.

This procedure involves making a small incision in the skin to access a vein and collect a blood sample or inject medication into a patient who is one year of age or older. The provider cleans the venipuncture site, usually on the upper arm or elbow, with an antiseptic (like 70% alcohol), allows it to dry, and then makes a small incision directly over the vein. A needle is carefully inserted into the vein, avoiding puncturing the posterior wall. Approximately 5 mL of blood is collected into a tube, or medication is introduced.The needle is then removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.

Example 1: A 25-year-old patient requires blood work for pre-operative testing. The physician performs a venipuncture to obtain a blood sample., A 60-year-old patient with peripheral intravenous access difficulties requires intravenous antibiotics. The physician performs a cutdown to establish intravenous access., A 12-year-old patient requires an emergency blood transfusion. A cutdown is performed to gain rapid intravenous access.

Documentation should include the patient's age, the reason for the venipuncture (e.g., blood draw, medication administration), the location of the venipuncture site, the volume of blood drawn or medication administered, and any complications encountered.

** This code is primarily used when standard venipuncture techniques fail or are not appropriate.The cutdown approach requires additional skill and time, and therefore justifies the use of this code.