Advanced Search

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Urinalysis:

81001 Could Be Reduced to 81003 if Physician Order Doesn't Pass Muster

Published on Sun Jul 15, 2012

Be sure you're in the loop when the automated machine needs repairs.Proper documentation of urinalysis (UA) codes 81000-81003 begins with a signed order and isn't complete until you have proof of service rendered. Help your practice meet medical record requirements for these codes:81000, Urinalysis, by dip stick or tablet reagent for bilirubin, glucose, hemoglobin, ketones, leukocytes, nitrite, pH, protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen, any number of these constituents; non-automated, with microscopy 81001, ... automated, with microscopy 81002, ... non-automated, without microscopy 81003, ... automated, without microscopy.Create a Plan to Ensure Written OrderMedicare has specific requirements for ordering diagnostic tests. But in an office setting, the physician and nurse are talking constantly, so overlooking the written order is an easy mistake to make, warns Joan Gilhooly, CPC, PCS, CHCC, president of Ohio-based Medical Business Resources. If you have an electronic medical record (EMR) with a designated spot for orders, make it standard [...]
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

Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

View All