16 New Specific Codes for Up and Coming Lab Tests

From three new influenza tests to a specific test for tuberculosis

, you will have the inside story on upcoming lab code changes, thanks to this guide.

Recently, CMS provided a sneak peak at new lab test codes for CY 2011. The listing covers CPT codes that the AMA made available and HCPCS Level II codes from CMS. The code numbers are not finalized; X's represent unassigned digits. See to it that you are geared up for the code changes.

Train eyes on expanded influenza coding

CPT 2011 covers three new codes for influenza typing -- 875XX1-875XX3. The aim of the codes is to recognize analyte-specific molecular detection of influenza virus types and subtypes.

Even though influenza subtype detection has had recognized importance for some time, it regained significance with the novel H1N1 pandemic last year.

You will choose among these three codes based on whether the lab identifies a single type or subtype (875XX1) or two types/subtypes (875XX2), and any additional types/subtypes (875XX3 for each additional type or subtype).

Do not miss new HIV screening options

To identify HIV screening for certain Medicare patients, you will use one of the three new G codes - G0432, G0433, and G0435. The codes describe rapid tests for individuals at increased risk of contracting HIV.

You will also report the codes for Medicare patients who get rapid HIV testing at certain key points during pregnancy. Remember that CMS says the definitions for these codes may change and in fact it has published different code definitions in other documents.

For more information on pathology coding and to get the entire CPT code list online, sign up for a one-stop medical coding website.

16 New Specific Codes for Up and Coming Lab Tests

By: James Smith

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