Reader Questions:
Don't Inject 90782 Into TB Test Coding
Published on Sat Jun 11, 2005
Question: What is the correct injection code to file when a nurse injects PPD for a TB skin test? We have been using 90782, but our commercial insurance companies are denying the code.
Missouri Subscriber Answer: The insurers are correctly rejecting the injection code (90782, Therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection [specify material injected]; subcutaneous or intramuscular). The injection for the tuberculosis skin test is not a therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic injection as 90782 describes.
Reality: You shouldn't report any injection code with 86580 (Skin test; tuberculosis, intradermal). The TB skin test includes the injection administration. The nurse has to inject the purified protein derivative (PPD) concentration to assess the disease's presence.
Bottom line: For a TB test, you would instead simply report 86580 and V74.1 (Special screening examination for bacterial and spirochetal diseases; pulmonary tuberculosis).