Blood Transfusion during Surgery

kay.larsen@ah.orgkay.larsen@ah.org
in BILLING AND CLAIMS

Can we bill a blood transfusion charge for blood giving during a surgery?

Thanks!

Comments

  • dwilliamsrsidwilliamsrsi

    Yes - typically a blood transfusion is not inherent in a surgery procedure like an IV infusion and IV push drugs are. There should be documentation by the surgeon and/or the anesthesiologist for the reasons the blood is needed during the procedure (e.g., unexpected bleeding, a leaking aneurysm, etc.) to support the service. I would also add to any policy regarding what is included in the operative time that blood transfusions are not included in the cost represented by the OR time as this is not a "standard"/"routine" occurrence.

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