Code P33 on EOB

I received an EOB with code P33 (This service is integral to the primary procedure. Therefore no additional payment is due.) - this was on CPT® 36415 - can I bill the patient for this procedure?

Oct 27th, 2010 -

nope

If you are contracted with the insurer, you are stuck with the bill (Stuck-- get it?? haha) Unfortunately more and more insurers are not paying for venipuncture. You have the option of sending the patient to the lab to get blood drawn if your doc is not happy, but then your patient will be not happy. Most reimburse $3 so it is not like losing a payment for an EKG or a procedure, although every $ counts. Ask your doc what to do.

Oct 28th, 2010 -

Thank you.

Thank you Signaturedoc; that's what I was afraid of.