Medical Billing Forum

Billing => Billing => : SusanG October 14, 2011, 03:35:43 PM

: collection fee
: SusanG October 14, 2011, 03:35:43 PM
We are collecting specimens for gc/ct and sending them to an outsdie lab; can we bill the insurance
a collection fee? We would bill 87491 with the 90 modifier to indicate it was sent to an outside lab.
: Re: collection fee
: Michele October 14, 2011, 03:52:27 PM
Well, I'm not a coder, but I would think cpt code 99000 - Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physician's office to a laboratory or 36415 or G0001 would be more appropriate.
: Re: collection fee
: midwifebiller October 17, 2011, 02:50:41 PM
G0001 is pap collection, payable by Medicare, but not many others.  Lab collection fees are as Michele stated: 36415 for a venipuncture; 36416 for a finger or heel stick; 99000 for handling and conveyance of specimen for transfer from the office to a lab; 99001 for handling and conveyance of specimen from patient in non-office setting to a lab. 

It should be noted that 99000 and 99001 do not mean putting the specimen in the lab box for them to come pick up, it is meant for rush handling directly to the lab.

It should also be noted that very, very few companies remiburse the lab handling fees.