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

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.