Internal Medicine Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Mantoux Tests

Question: What diagnosis code should you use with a Mantoux test for tuberculosis?

Anonymous Michigan Subscriber

Answer: For the Mantoux testing, Stephenson has always used CPT 86580 (skin test; tuberculosis, intradermal) along with ICD-9 V74.1 (pulmonary tuberculosis). The fact that this is a V code means it is not likely to be paid by many carriers.

My suggestion would be to contact the carrier in question and find out what the guidelines are for that particular company, he says. Since this is generally a routine service, it may be the patients
responsibility to pay.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you can bill only the test itself; it cannot be billed again when the patient comes back for the reading two days after the test unless there are other issues being
addressed at the second visit.