P9604 - Travel fee for one-way trip to collect lab samples from homebound patients
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 represents a travel allowance fee that covers the cost of a healthcare worker making a one-way trip to collect laboratory specimens from patients who are confined to their home or nursing home. The fee is prorated, meaning it's calculated based on the actual distance or time required for the trip. This service is only used when the lab sample collection is medically necessary and the patient cannot travel to a medical facility.
Additional Information
This is a travel fee only, not the cost of the actual laboratory tests. The fee is calculated proportionally based on the distance or resources required for the trip.
Category
Laboratory Services - Travel
Medical Specialty
Laboratory/Phlebotomy
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Patient must be homebound or nursing home bound
- Laboratory specimen collection must be medically necessary
- Patient unable to travel to medical facility
What to Expect After
- Lab results will be processed and reported to ordering physician
- Follow-up depends on specific tests ordered
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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