Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Antibody Test for Strep
Question: How should we report an antibody test (AS0) that we conduct to identify previous strep infections? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: A common definitive test for streptococcus antibody detection is the antistreptolysin 0 titer (AS0 titer). Report the service as 86060 (Antistrep-tolysin 0; titer). The assay identifies an antecedent streptococcus group A infection using a blood test, often to diagnose streptococcal involvement in disease processes such as rheumatic fever (390-392.x) and its possible complications of carditis (391.x, 429.89, 714.2) or rheumatoid arthritis (714.0). Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were answered and/or reviewed by R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors' Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.; and Laurie Castillo, MA, CPC, CPC-H, CCS-P, member of the national advisory board of the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and president of Physician Coding and Compliance Consulting in Virginia.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- Pathology Report Dictates Colon Procedure and Diagnosis Codes
" When the pathology report uses different language than the code books, you need a [...] - Translating the Morphology of NeoplasmsTable
Pathology coders may see codes from the "Morphology of Neoplasms" table (in the ICD-9 appendix) [...] - You Be the Coder:
Evaluating Multiple Biopsies
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Untangle Thyroid Testing Coverage Rules
Complex coverage issues impact coding and reimbursement for lab tests used to diagnose and monitor [...] - Beyond the Basics:
Rules Vary for Additional Thyroid Tests
"Physicians often order other thyroid laboratory tests based on abnormal TSH and FT4 levels that [...] - CCI 8.2 Gives Pathology Coders a Breather
Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, version 8.2 that took effect July 1, 2002, will remain [...] - Reader Question:
Cryopreservation
Question: Following apheresis, should we report CPT 86890 and 88240 for frozen peripheral [...] - Reader Question:
Technical and Professional Component
Question: I have been told that a bone marrow smear interpretation includes a technical and [...] - Reader Question:
Antibody Test for Strep
Question: How should we report an antibody test (AS0) that we conduct to identify previous [...]
