Locate the Correct Test Code for COVID, Flu, and RSV
Question: I have a report of a 75-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who presented with shortness of breath, weakness, high fever, fatigue, and coughing. During the physical examination, the pulmonologist noted crackling in the lower lobes of the lungs. The physician ordered testing for COVID-19, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The test was positive for COVID-19. The provider diagnosed the patient with a lower respiratory infection due to COVID-19. How should I report this encounter? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: Assign 87637 (Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]), influenza virus types A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus, multiplex amplified probe technique) to report the test for COVID-19, influenza A and B, and RSV. Then, turn to the ICD-10-CM code book to locate the applicable diagnosis codes. Assign U07.1 (COVID-19) to report the COVID-19 infection. The patient also has COPD with a lower respiratory infection, so you’ll use J44.0 (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with (acute) lower respiratory infection) to report the patient’s chronic condition. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC
