Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I need help with a diagnosis for genetic screening prior to pregnancy. The patient had blood drawn for the screening, and I cannot determine which ICD-9 code to use. Indiana Subscriber Answer: In this case, you should use V26.31 (Testing of female for genetic disease carrier status) for procreative management. Watch out: Don't confuse this code with V82.71 (Screening for genetic disease carrier status). You would use this code when you are screening to see if the patient carries the gene, and the situation does not involve procreative management.