Reader Questions:
How to Code for Genetic Counselor
Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005
Question: After the ob-gyn performed an amniocentesis, he called in a genetic counselor. Which diagnosis codes should I use for patients who require genetic counseling? Should I use V codes? Are some of the 655-series codes applicable?
Michigan Subscriber Answer: The 655 series (Known or suspected fetal abnormality affecting management of mother) would apply if the ob-gyn finds something on the amniocentesis that confirmed a problem with the fetus or was very suggestive of something wrong - that is, there is some abnormal blood test result (alpha fetoprotein, etc.) that led the physician to believe there may be a problem.
You should use V code V26.3 (Genetic counseling and testing) for genetic counseling if the patient had a problem with a previous pregnancy but no sign of one with this one, or if the couple just wants to know the odds prior to conceiving. - The answers for Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were provided by Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, MA, an ob-gyn coding expert based in Fredericksburg, Va.
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