How To Use HCPCS Code G0471

HCPCS code G0471 describes the collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA). This code is used to identify and bill for the specific procedure of collecting blood or urine samples in these settings.

1. What is HCPCS G0471?

HCPCS code G0471 is a specific code used in medical coding to identify the collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA). This code is used to accurately document and bill for this particular procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G0471 is “Collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA).” The short description for this code is “Ven blood coll snf/hha.”

3. Procedure

1. The procedure for HCPCS code G0471 involves the collection of venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization.
2. For venous blood collection, the healthcare provider will use a needle to puncture a vein, usually in the arm, and collect a sample of blood into a tube or vial.
3. For urine sample collection, a catheter is used to collect urine directly from the bladder.
4. The collected blood or urine sample is then sent to a laboratory for further analysis and testing.

4. When to use HCPCS code G0471

HCPCS code G0471 should be used when collecting venous blood by venipuncture or urine sample by catheterization from an individual in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or by a laboratory on behalf of a home health agency (HHA). This code is specific to these settings and procedures and should not be used for other types of blood or urine sample collections.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G0471, healthcare providers need to document the specific details of the procedure, including the date of service, the location where the collection took place (SNF or HHA), and any relevant patient information. The documentation should also include the reason for the collection and any additional tests or analyses requested.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G0471 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on April 01, 2014. Since its addition, there have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code. This code has remained unchanged since its inception.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code G0471 is eligible for coverage by Medicare and other insurance providers. The pricing indicator code 21 indicates that the price for this procedure is subject to a national limitation amount. The multiple pricing indicator code A means that this code is not applicable as HCPCS priced under one methodology. The specific reimbursement rates may vary depending on the individual’s insurance coverage and the contracted rates with the healthcare provider.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code G0471 should be billed:

1. A patient in a skilled nursing facility requires a blood sample for routine laboratory testing.
2. A home health agency collects a urine sample from a patient using catheterization for diagnostic purposes.
3. A laboratory performs venipuncture to collect blood from a patient in a skilled nursing facility for specialized testing.
4. A home health agency collects a urine sample from a patient with suspected urinary tract infection for further analysis.
5. A skilled nursing facility collects a blood sample from a patient for monitoring medication levels.