Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Question: Will Medicare pay for both 83540 and 83550 on the same date of service?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you may report both 83540 (Iron) and 83550 (Iron binding capacity) for the same date. The test 83540 represents measures iron associated with transferrin in the blood. Coupled with the results of an iron binding capacity (83550) test, labs use the results to calculate percent saturation of transferrin molecules. The 83550 test measures transferrin indirectly.

Tip: Because iron binding capacity (83550) and transferrin (84466, Transferrin) offer the treating clinician similar information, Medicare does not cover both tests at the same time. A Correct Coding Initiative edit prevents you from reporting the two codes together.