How To Use CPT Code 36600

CPT 36600 describes the procedure of arterial puncture and withdrawal of blood for diagnosis. 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 36600?

CPT 36600 can be used to describe the procedure of arterial puncture and withdrawal of blood for diagnostic purposes. This code is used when a healthcare provider punctures an artery and withdraws blood, which is then sent to the laboratory for testing. The aim of this service is to diagnose a disease or condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 36600 is: ‘Arterial puncture, withdrawal of blood for diagnosis.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and the puncture site by cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution.
2. A needle is inserted into the artery, and the provider slowly guides it into the artery to allow blood to flow into a syringe.
3. Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and direct pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop the bleeding.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Arterial puncture and blood withdrawal using CPT 36600 are performed when there is a need to diagnose a disease or condition. This procedure is typically done by a healthcare provider who is trained in arterial puncture techniques. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized before the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 36600

CPT code 36600 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an arterial puncture and withdraws blood for diagnostic purposes. It is important to note that this code should not be used for arterial blood gas analysis during a complex pulmonary stress exercise. In such cases, separate codes should be used for the blood draw and the gas analysis.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 36600, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the arterial puncture and blood withdrawal
• Details of the procedure, including the date and time
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Results of the laboratory testing performed on the withdrawn blood
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 36600, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for arterial puncture and blood withdrawal for diagnostic purposes. It is important to use the appropriate diagnosis codes to support the medical necessity of the procedure. Additionally, if the provider performs an arterial blood gas analysis during a complex pulmonary stress exercise, separate codes should be used for the blood draw and the gas analysis.

8. Historical information

CPT 36600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to diagnose a patient with suspected arterial disease.
2. A physician performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to assess a patient’s oxygen levels and acid-base balance.
3. A nurse performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to monitor a patient’s response to a medication.
4. A cardiologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to evaluate a patient’s cardiac function.
5. A pulmonologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to assess a patient’s respiratory status.
6. A surgeon performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to evaluate blood flow to a specific organ.
7. An anesthesiologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to monitor a patient’s response to anesthesia.
8. A hematologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to diagnose a patient with a blood disorder.
9. A nephrologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to assess a patient’s kidney function.
10. A gastroenterologist performing an arterial puncture and blood withdrawal to evaluate a patient’s liver function.