Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Non-Medicare Pap Smears

Published on Fri Mar 01, 2002

Question: How should I code Pap smears for non-Medicare patients?

New Jersey Subscriber  
Answer: All carriers (except Medicare) consider collection of the Pap smear specimen part of the E/M exam. The reason Medicare covers Pap collections is based on old coverage rules, when Medicare did not pay for the visit at which the Pap was collected. When Medicare began covering some preventive/screening benefits, it continued to pay for the collection of the specimen.
 
Use 99000 (Handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physicians office to a laboratory) for non-Medicare patients, keeping in mind that some carriers will reimburse and others will not.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All