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Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Rapid Influenza Test

Published on Fri Jun 01, 2001

Question: How do we code for rapid influenza tests done in the office?

New Hampshire Subscriber

Answer: There is no CPT code for the influenza tests, recently waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA). While waiting for a new code, expected in 2002, code 87899 (infectious agent detection by immunoassay with direct optical observation; not otherwise specified). If the payer is Medicaid, append HCPCS modifier -QW (CLIA waived test).
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