Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Focus MRI Pre-Procedure Lab Test Coding
Question: How should we code a creatinine test ordered to evaluate kidney function before a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) with contrast? Iowa Subscriber Answer: The appropriate procedure code is 82565 (Creatinine; blood). By measuring the level of creatinine in the blood, the clinician can determine that the patient’s kidney function is appropriate for safely clearing the contrast solution from the body. Labs may also perform a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test, such as 84520 (Urea nitrogen; quantitative) prior to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test with contrast. The appropriate diagnosis code to accompany the test is Z01.812 (Encounter for preprocedural laboratory examination), which demonstrates that the test is a preprocedural step before conducting an MRI with contrast.
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