Fingerstick Protimes

[SWRN84]

Just wondering how many of you use fingerstick protime machines? Our agency just started using them. Today was my first time in a patient's home with one. It was so great having that INR result right there in a matter of minutes. When we first started we had one fingerstick that was very out of range for this particular patient, so went ahead and drew a venipuncture specimen to verify the results. I actually don't know what that showed, but I know of several physician's practices who use these on a regular basis. It sure will come in handy with patients who have difficult venous access. Any thoughts on using these....as far as results not accurate, etc?

[cherricka]

Question? Does the agency get reimbursed for this stick or is it used as an auxillary service to code for therapy purposes? Does the agency bill medicare separately for the skill and the S.N. visit or is this a courtesy to the MD's?

Medicare will not reimburse an agency for a "lab only" visit (so I have been told). So this visit is combined with a regular visit. If I were to just draw labs, or just do a PT/INR, I would make it a non-billable visit. We also do not bill medicare for blood collection supplies or tubes, along with not charging them for the long ride to and from a lab, so this PT/INR machine saves our agency money.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

240.35

[color=#231f20]protime test systems

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according to cms, protime test systems are neither durable medical equipment nor medical supplies. these systems, used by physicians and health professionals only, are unsatisfactory for use in beneficiaries' homes. medicare makes no payment for provider, physician, or supplier distribution. the dupont coumatrak is an example of this item.

https://www.cahabagba.com/part_a/education_and_outreach/educational_materials/hh_coverage.pdf

agency eats the cost; however trade off on rn having to drive blood to lab = milage and time savings for another visit.

were investigating to implement next year.