CPT® Code 99195

Phlebotomy, therapeutic, is a medical procedure that involves the drawing of blood for therapeutic purposes. This procedure is specifically performed to address and correct dangerously imbalanced blood chemistry, which can occur in various medical conditions. The act of drawing blood in this context is not merely for diagnostic testing but is intended to alleviate specific health issues by removing excess blood components that may be contributing to the imbalance. Therapeutic phlebotomy is often utilized in conditions such as hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera, and other disorders where the reduction of blood volume or specific blood constituents is necessary for the patient's health. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is distinct from other types of blood draws that may be performed for diagnostic purposes. Understanding the rationale behind therapeutic phlebotomy is crucial for medical coders and billers, as it ensures accurate coding and billing practices related to this specific intervention.