Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: Our gastroenterologist performs tests for H. pylori using a C-14 breath analysis. We used to get an off-site lab to analyze the samples, but the office recently bought a liquid scintillation counter so the gastro could perform his own analyses. We're wondering how to report the H. pylori breath test and the analysis.

Georgia Subscriber
 
Answer: Offices that perform their own H. pylori tests and interpret the results can report two codes for the procedure. When your gastro performs the analysis and interprets the results, you should:

report 78267 (Urea breath test, C-14; acquisition for analysis) for the test.

report 78268 (... analysis) for the analysis.

Warning: Use caution when reporting both the C-14 breath test and the analysis on the same claim. If you have the same date of service for both services, some payers will not accept both 78267 and 78268.

Good practice: If there is any uncertainty before filing a claim dealing with H. Pylori tests or interpretations, check with the carrier first to avoid a rejection.