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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

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Is an E/M Correct for TB Skin Tests?

Published on Fri Feb 24, 2006

Question: I-ve heard conflicting information on coding tuberculosis skin tests. Should we use an E/M code or 86580? Can we report the injection separately?


Missouri Subscriber


Answer: The appropriate code for an initial purified protein derivative (PPD) tuberculosis test is 86580 (Skin test; tuberculosis, intradermal). You should report a diagnosis of V74.1 (Special screening examination for bacterial and spirochetal diseases; pulmonary tuberculosis) with 86580 for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Some coders may recommend 99211 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient) for PPD, but this is incorrect. Note, however, that 86580 does not cover any follow-up care. Therefore, if the patient returns to the office to have the nurse evaluate the test's results, you may then report 99211.

Don't be tempted to report injection codes with 86580. The TB skin test includes administration.
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