Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Specify Source for KOH Test
Question: Our lab received a skin scraping with a request to test for suspected scabies. We prepared a slide using potassium hydroxide as a clearing agent, then examined the specimen microscopically to evaluate for parasites, ova, or fungus. How should we code this?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: The correct code is 87220 (Tissue examination by KOH slide of samples from skin, hair, or nails for fungi or ectoparasite ova or mites [e.g., scabies]).
Although another code (87210, Smear, primary source with interpretation; wet mount for infectious agents [e.g., saline, India ink, KOH preps]) also describes potassium hydroxide (KOH) preps, you should reserve that code for non-skin, nail, or hair specimens, such as vaginal smears.
Don’t miss: Most Medicare payers won’t accept 87220, but instead require that you report the service with Q0112 (All potassium hydroxide [KOH] preparations).
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