Question: A patient visited our provider for a PPD (TB test).Should I include an office visit code?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: No. There is no actual E/M service done during a visit where the sole purpose is the administration of PPD. Instead, you should report these:
Typically, PPD testing results are read 48-72 hours after administering the skin test. This means another office visit and evaluation of the results to determine whether it is negative or positive.
Quick fact: Because a patient may not return for the reading, 86850’s relative value units do not include the work of reading the test, according to Medicare.
Therefore, when a nurse does the reading, you should bill
these codes:
Note: Most offices choose not to charge an office visit for ppd readings since the patient may have to pay a copay, and the resources needed to perform a reading are very limited.