Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Question: When our lab performs repeat glucose tests based on prior abnormal test results (790.2), we-re not getting paid for the tests. Why?


Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: You cannot report 790.2 (Abnormal glucose) as a reason for the test because it requires a fifth digit. You-ll need to provide one of the more specific codes if you have appropriate documentation from the ordering physician to support it.

For instance: You might report 790.21 (Impaired fasting glucose) or 790.22 (Impaired glucose tolerance test [oral]) if the ordering physician indicates one of these abnormal results as the reason for ordering subsequent glucose testing.

If you do not have specific information regarding which glucose test was abnormal (fasting glucose or GTT), you still can't use 790.2. Instead, you should report 790.29 (Other abnormal glucose).