Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I got my copy of the Ob-Gyn Coding Alert, and two codes specified in an article regarding urinalysis being included in the ob global were 81000 and 81002. Our office bills using 81003 for automated, without microscopy. Should we consider this code included in the global?


Washington Subscriber

Answer: Global care includes a routine urinalysis (UA) to measure glucose and protein, which is why only codes 81000 (Urinalysis, by dipstick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy) and 81002 (Urinalysis, by dipstick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, without microscopy) apply.

Bottom line: If that is what your ob-gyn is doing, then this procedure is included--no matter what code you decide to report, even 81003 (... automated, without microscopy).

If your ob-gyn does more but does this routinely at each visit, you most likely won't have much luck receiving reimbursement for it.