P9604 - Travel fee for lab worker to collect blood sample at your home or nursing home (one-way trip)
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
What is a HCPCS Code?
HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.
Detailed Description
This code covers the travel cost for a healthcare worker to come to your home or nursing home to collect a blood sample that's medically necessary. The fee is calculated based on the distance traveled and covers only one direction of the trip. This service is typically used when you cannot travel to a lab facility due to being homebound or residing in a nursing home. The actual blood draw and lab testing would be billed separately from this travel charge.
Additional Information
This is only the travel fee - the actual blood collection and laboratory testing are billed with separate codes. The cost varies based on distance traveled and local rates.
Category
Laboratory Services - Travel
Medical Specialty
Laboratory/Phlebotomy
Expected Costs
We expect this to normally be in the range of:
$10 - $50
This is an estimate based on typical billing patterns. Your actual cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Must be homebound or nursing home resident
- Requires medically necessary lab work ordered by physician
- Patient unable to travel to lab facility
What to Expect After
- Lab results will be sent to your ordering physician
- Follow up with your doctor for test results and next steps
Why Understanding This Code Matters
On Your Medical Bill
This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.
For Your Health
Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.
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