Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Don't Inject 90782 Into TB Test Coding

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).
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All