Reader Question:
Decide When to Charge 82270
Published on Mon Jul 21, 2008
Question: My practice does fecal-occult blood tests (FOBT). We are considering giving our patients the three-slide card packet to take home. Should we charge 82270 when the patient accepts the packet, or should we have to wait until the results are read to bill the test?
North Carolina Subscriber Answer: You should report 82270 (Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity [e.g., guaiac], qualitative; feces, consecutive collected specimens with single determination, for colorectal neoplasm screening [i.e., patient was provided three cards or single triple card for consecutive collection]) when the patient brings the packet back.
Red flag: Let the patient know that if she does not bring it back, the practice will charge her for the packet. Usually, this helps in her complying.
