ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Slow Down, Look for FAST Exam Clues
Question: I have notes in front of me that indicate that the ED physician performed a ‘FAST exam.’ How exactly do I code for a FAST exam? Is it some evaluation and management (E/M) service I haven’t heard of? Indiana Subscriber Answer: A FAST exam is not an E/M. FAST — or focused abdominal sonography for trauma — exams are two-procedure tests designed to measure fluid in the chest and abdomen. The ED physician will typically perform these exams for trauma patients. During a FAST exam, the physician performs a limited transthoracic echocardiography to examine the chest area; then, they perform a limited abdominal study to check the abdomen. On your claim, report the following for FAST exams:
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