Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Use 82270 only for at-home tests

Red flag: Many coders are reporting fecal occult blood test (FOBT) code 82270 for samples taken in the office. Big mistake!

What to do: Use this revised code--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])--specifically to report three-specimen tests taken at home.

Code 82270 allows the lab to code for analysis when the patient collects the specimen.
 
This test is best for screening patients for colorectal cancer, said J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer (acting) for the American Cancer Society in his presentation at the AMA's CPT 2006 Coding Symposium. Studies show that the larger samples taken by the patient at home are more accurate than in-office digital exams.

The FOBT codes for 2006 reflect the need to distinguish the different types of tests and encourage proper screening. You have two new codes if you need to report other occult blood tests:

- 82271--- other sources

- 82272--Blood, occult, by peroxidase activity (e.g., guaiac), qualitative, feces, single specimen (e.g., from digital rectal exam).

You-re likely to use code 82272 when the physician obtains a single sample in the office, such as with a digital rectal exam.