How To Use CPT Code 36440

CPT 36440 describes the procedure of push transfusion of blood for patients who are two years old or younger. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 36440?

CPT 36440 is used to describe the procedure of push transfusion of blood for patients who are two years old or younger. This code is specifically used when the provider injects blood into the patient’s vein all at once, rather than slowly over a period of time.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36440 is: ‘Push transfusion, blood, 2 years or younger.’ If a partial exchange transfusion is performed in a newborn, CPT code 36456 should be used instead.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by cleansing the site of the needle puncture with an antiseptic, typically alcohol, and allowing it to dry.
2. Next, the provider slowly inserts a needle into the vein, being careful not to puncture the posterior wall of the vein.
3. The provider then connects the needle to an injection device or syringe filled with the appropriate amount of blood.
4. Finally, the provider injects the blood into the patient’s vein.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 36440 is performed on patients who are two years old or younger and require a push transfusion of blood. It is important to note that if a partial exchange transfusion is performed in a newborn, CPT code 36456 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 36440

CPT code 36440 should be used when a push transfusion of blood is performed on a patient who is two years old or younger. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed all at once, rather than slowly over a period of time.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36440, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s age (must be two years old or younger)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an injection device or syringe
• Amount of blood transfused
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36440, ensure that the procedure is performed on a patient who is two years old or younger. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines for reporting this code. Additionally, it is important to note that if a partial exchange transfusion is performed in a newborn, CPT code 36456 should be used instead.

8. Historical information

CPT 36440 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There was a code change on January 1, 2007, where the description was updated to specify ‘2 years or under’ instead of ‘2 years or younger’.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing a push transfusion of blood for a one-year-old patient.
2. A nurse administering a push transfusion of blood to a newborn.
3. A pediatrician performing a push transfusion of blood for a two-year-old patient.
4. A provider conducting a push transfusion of blood for a six-month-old patient.
5. A medical technician assisting in a push transfusion of blood for a three-year-old patient.
6. A provider performing a push transfusion of blood for a newborn with anemia.
7. A nurse administering a push transfusion of blood to a one-year-old patient with a blood disorder.
8. A pediatrician conducting a push transfusion of blood for a two-month-old patient with a medical condition.
9. A provider performing a push transfusion of blood for a nine-month-old patient with a genetic disorder.
10. A medical technician assisting in a push transfusion of blood for a four-year-old patient with a severe illness.