You Be the Coder:
BNP Test Code
Published on Fri Aug 01, 2003
Question: How should I code a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) test? One of my physicians wants to order this but needs to make sure he has a payable diagnosis.
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: You should report 83880 (Natriuretic peptide) for BNP tests. This is a new code, introduced in 2003, which you should use when the physician tests for B-type natriuretic peptide levels, a natural hormone elevated in people with heart conditions. Cardiologists regularly test for this hormone when monitoring a heart condition. If the patient's BNP level goes up, the heart condition is getting worse; decreased levels means the condition is improving. Cardiologists also use BNP testing to determine if a patient's symptoms are due to congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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