Wiki Diagnosis Linking for labs

[Latisha Coles]

I just started a new job coding for IM and Family practice. I would like to know is there a reference out there that could help me to link dx's to lab test ordered and also to certain test done EKG's, occult screens. The dr's list the dx but don't specify why they were ordered so I basically have to do guessing game and lots of times I'm not to sure I've linked them appropriately.

 

[misstigris]

When I started my coding job that was one of my first struggles. I would recommend getting familiar with what the test is for. Once you know what information you get from the test, it is much easier to tie a dx to it.

A great reference is the Medicare Lab NCD's which will give you a list of covered dx for specific tests. Here is a link:

http://www.cms.gov/CoverageGenInfo/Downloads/manual201004.pdf

also, you can look up local or national coverage for specific tests, procedures on the cms website.

http://www.cms.gov/MCD/search.asp?clickon=search

Hope that helps

 

[Anna Weaver]

Here's another web site that helps with labs. I use this all the time. Especially if I don't understand what a lab is for. It gives you different names, what it's for, what type specimen etc. Good luck!

http://www.labtestsonline.org/

 

[Latisha Coles]

Thank you both so much both references are great help.