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Specimen Retypes and Billing


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Just wondering with all the interest in performing retypes on samples - if you can bill for this testing? We retype a specimen (quick forward Anti-A, Anti-B, Anti-D) each time the sample (previously T&S'd) is pulled out to add more crossmatches. Does anyone know if it is acceptable practice to bill for this testing? CPT codes?

Also, if we were to adopt a protocol to require a repeat ABO/Rh on another lab sample drawn at a different time, would we be able to perform a billable ABO/Rh. What CPT codes?

It seems as if the testing is performed, it should be billable. Although I do understand re-imbursement is a whole different ballgame!

Thanks for the response,

Sandy

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We do exactly as you do.

We do not charge for any repeat testing. (We think of it as quality control/assurance).

But if there truely is a code and people are charging it -- I will certainly listen.

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Our system is set up to charge for a retype only if a patient doesn't already have an ABO/RH on file. Any other confirmatory testing is considered QA for our purposes only and isn't charged. We do the same thing with CBC's that are run at other labs in which crossmatch orders are based. If another lab says a patient has a 24% hematocrit and orders 2 units, we confirm the hematocrit from the same specimen before transfusion, but use our own instrument to do it. This confirmatory re-check is also an internal QA and is not charged.

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For our confirmatory hgb (for out-patients or someone that does not have a CBC or H&H done at our facility) we DO charge for just a hgb. We sent it through an approval committee (MEC) at the hospital and require at least a hgb - it is on record and considered a reflex test for the out-patients so the lab has approval to order it, and charge for it. In essence, if we transfused the patient and sent them into circulatory overload, we would be liable, not the outside lab. We do not accept the results of outside labs for this protocol.

But I am still wondering about billing issues with confirmatory blood types, especially from other HCA facilities.

Sandy

BB Supervisor

MT SBB

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We do not charge for a quick type to confirm a previously tested sample but we do charge if we are performing a typing on a new sample (like a sample from another venipuncture). Our policy is to get a second type on patients with no history before type specific red cells are issued.

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We do not charge for a retype when it is done in order to meet the requirement to perform a computer crossmatch. If, however, the specimen expires and we perform a type and screen on a new specimen, that gets charged.

BC

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