a patient underwent bone marrow aspiration only. report code

by Cydney Hayes 9 min read

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy Coding - AAPC.com

24 hours ago  · Report 38220 when bone marrow aspiration is performed alone, and 38221 when bone marrow biopsy is performed alone. According to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) … >> Go To The Portal


To report aspiration and biopsy and harvesting of bone marrow, providers need to understand the bundling rules: CPT code 38220 should be reported when bone marrow aspiration is performed alone, and code 38221 when bone marrow biopsy is performed alone.

When diagnostic bone marrow aspiration(s) is performed alone, the appropriate code to report is CPT code 38220.

Full Answer

What is the CPT code for bone marrow aspiration?

CPT codes 38220 and 38221 may only be reported together if the two procedures are performed at separate sites or at separate patient encounters. Separate sites include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in different bones or two separate skin incisions over the same bone.

How is a bone marrow aspirated and sent for analysis?

After informed consent, a bone marrow is aspirated to the posterior iliac and sent for analysis. The provider performs a bone marrow sampling in the sternum, which is sent for analysis.

What is the Medicare billing code for a bone marrow biopsy?

Previously, G0364 was used in addition to the biopsy code (38221) for Medicare billing when both a needle biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow were performed via the same access. John Verhovshek, MA, CPC, is a contributing editor at AAPC.

Can bone marrow aspiration and biopsy be performed through the same incision?

The following is excerpted from the current National Correct Coding Policy Manual for Part B Medicare Carriers. This new CCI edit prohibits the coding of bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy when performed through the same skin incision on the same patient.

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What is the CPT code 38222?

New code 38222 has been created to report both diagnostic bone marrow biopsy and diagnostic bone marrow aspiration, performed at the same anatomic site, during the same encounter.

Can CPT code 38220 and 38221 be billed together?

CPT codes 38220 and 38221 may only be reported together if the two procedures are performed at separate and distinct sites, or at separate patient encounters. Separate sites include bone marrow aspiration and biopsy in different bones or with two separate skin incisions over the same bone.

What is the CPT code for bone marrow biopsy by needle aspiration?

38221: Bone marrow; biopsy, needle, or trocar.

Does CPT code 38222 need a modifier?

Code 38222 should be reported when the bone marrow aspiration procedure and a bone marrow biopsy are performed through the same incision, in the same bone, on the same date of service. For a bilateral procedure, report 38220, 38221 and 38222 with modifier 50.

What is procedure code 38241?

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code 38241 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Transplantation and Post-Transplantation Cellular Infusion Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems.

What is procedure code 20999?

CPT 20999 Unlisted procedure, musculoskeletal system, general. HCPCS Description. Prolotherapy describes a procedure intended for healing and strengthening ligaments and tendons by injecting an agent that induces inflammation and stimulates endogenous repair mechanisms.

What is the CPT code 77012?

CPT® 77012 in section: Computed Tomography Guidance.

What is CPT code 0232T?

For all other uses of PRP, the CPT code 0232T should be billed. It describes the injection of PRP into a targeted site. The code's definition includes the harvesting, preparation, and image guidance for the service.

What is the ICD 10 code for bone marrow biopsy?

Extraction of Iliac Bone Marrow, Percutaneous Approach, Diagnostic. ICD-10-PCS 07DR3ZX is a specific/billable code that can be used to indicate a procedure.

What is procedure code 38221?

CPT® Code 38221 - Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Services/Procedures - Codify by AAPC. CPT. Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems. General Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems. Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Services/Procedures.

What is bone marrow aspiration?

A procedure in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed, usually from the hip bone, breastbone, or thigh bone. A small area of skin and the surface of the bone underneath are numbed with an anesthetic. Then, a special wide needle is pushed into the bone.

Does CPT code 38222 include guidance?

CPT® guidelines tell us not to report 38222 with 38220 or 38221 (because both biopsy and aspiration are included in 38222). Additionally, you should never report 28220 and 38221 together to report biopsy and aspiration at the same location: in such a case, 38222 is appropriate.

What is the code for bone marrow aspiration?

Report 38220 when bone marrow aspiration is performed alone, and 38221 when bone marrow biopsy is performed alone. According to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual for Medicare Services, Chapter 5, Section E1, codes 38220 and 38221 are reported one time only, even if the provider performs multiple aspirations or scrapings at the same insertion site.#N#Example 2: A 50-year-old male patient with history of leukemia presents to the facility and Dr. Smith performs a bone marrow aspiration in the left side posterior iliac crest. At the completion of the procedure, the specimen is sent for analysis. The patient returns one week later and Dr. Smith performs a bone marrow core biopsy in the left posterior iliac crest.#N#Report the first visit using 38220 for bone marrow aspiration performed alone. Report the second visit using 38221 for bone marrow biopsy.

What modifier is used for bone marrow biopsy?

Because the bone marrow aspiration and bone marrow biopsy are performed at different sites on the same date of service, report 38221 and 38220, and append modifier 59 to identify the procedure is separate and distinct from the primary procedure.

What is CPT code 38220?

To reflect standard of care changes, CPT® code descriptors for 38220 Diagnostic bone marrow; aspiration (s) and 38221 Diagnostic bone marrow; biopsy (ies) were revised, and new codes 38222 Diagnostic bone marrow ; biopsy (ies) and aspiration (s) and +20939 Bone marrow aspiration for bone grafting, spine surgery only, through separate skin or fascial incision (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) were created to describe services more accurately.#N#Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the deletion of HCPCS Level II code G0364 is final. Instead of reporting 38221 and G0364 for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, you should report 38222 Diagnostic bone marrow; biopsy (ies) and aspiration (s).

How many needle sticks are used to collect bone marrow?

To collect bone marrow from the posterior iliac crest, the provider administered approximately 400 needle sticks. After the marrow was aspirated, the needle was removed immediately. Blood was given to the donor as support, and as needed. At the end of the procedure the donor was transferred to the recovery room.

Can CPT codes 38221 and 38220 be reported together?

According to an excerpt in the NCCI Policy Manual for Medicare Service, Chapter 5, Section E1, “CPT codes 38220 and 38221 may only be reported together if the two procedures are performed at separate sites or at separate patient encounters.

Is bone marrow aspiration or biopsy?

Obtaining bone marrow by aspiration or sampling, described by 38220 and 38221, is for testing only, and does not include transplant purposes. When harvesting bone marrow for transplantation is done at the same time as the aspiration and biopsy, the code for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are not separately reportable.

What is the code for bone marrow biopsy?

When a bone marrow biopsy is performed using a needle or trocar, report code 38221 (Bone marrow; biopsy, needle or trocar), which describes the procedure for obtaining the bone marrow tissue for biopsy.

When an arthrodesis procedure is performed in addition to another procedure, what modifier do you use?

Make sure you add modifier -51 to the arthrodesis procedure code (s).

What is the code for a posterior exposure procedure?

Code 20936 describes the local autograft from the ribs. Surgeon A performed a posterior exposure procedure on Mary Jones by making an incision overlying the lumbar vertebrae, separating the fascia and supraspinous ligaments in line with the incision. He then lifted ligaments and muscles out of the way.

What is a LeFort procedure?

Colpocleisis, also known as a LeFort procedure, involves the surgical repair of a uterine prolapse or a vaginal vault prolapse. LeFort I, II, and III fractures are complex bilateral fractures of facial bones that contain large, unstable fragments. A Wagstaff-LeFort fracture is an avulsion of the fibula.

Do you add modifier 62 to spinal instrumentation code?

Therefore, do not add modifier -62 to the spinal instrumentation code.) Bone graft procedure, report an appropriate code from 20930-20938 (and do not add modifier -51 or -62 to the bone graft code). (When two surgeons perform a procedure that also includes bone grafting, just one of the surgeons performs the bone graft procedure.

Can you add modifier 50 to a larynx?

According to CPT Assistant (October 2001), when a total laryngectomy with bilateral radical neck dissection (31365) is performed, do not add modifier -50 to the code because the larynx is a single midline organ. (A laryngectomy cannot be performed bilaterally.)

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