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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Include V Code on Toy-Related Lead Screenings

Published on Sat Jan 27, 2007

Question: What V code should we use for lead screenings that parents request for their children due to the numerous toy recalls? Do I have to know definitively that a patient was exposed to lead to use V15.86?


Florida Subscriber
Answer: If there is a known exposure to lead, use V15.86 (Exposure to lead). If a parent requests the screening because she has identified that the child had contact with one or several of the toys listed in the toy recalls, V15.86 is appropriate--because a known exposure has occurred.

Alternatively, report V82.5 (Special screening for other conditions; chemical poisoning and other contamination) for routine screenings. Also use this code when a parent requests the screening for general concerns without a specified episode of lead exposure.
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