Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

NCCI 10.2 bundles all FOBT code combinations If you didn't get the message from Medicare's immunoassay fecal-occult blood test (iFOBT) coverage rules you'll get the message from the latest National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits -- you must report either G0328 (Fecal blood screening immunoassay) or 82274 (Blood occult by fecal hemoglobin determination by immunoassay qualitative feces 1-3 simultaneous determinations) for the iFOBT test. NCCI 10.2 which took effect July 1 added a mutually exclusive edit pair that bundles G0328 and 82274 together. A""0"" modifier indicator means that you cannot under any circumstances override the edit pair for Medicare payment. 'Reason for Test' Drives Coding Medicare recognizes the two iFOBT codes based on whether the physician orders the test for colorectal cancer screening (G0328) or for a diagnostic purpose (82274).

You should use the HCPCS Level II code if the ordering physician states that the FOBT is for colorectal cancer screening or requests the test with a screening code such as V76.51 (Special screening for malignant neoplasms; colon) according to Anne Pontius MBA CMPE MT (ASCP) president of Laboratory Compliance Consultants Inc. in Raleigh N.C. Earlier NCCI Bundled Guaiac FOBT Medicare also covers guaiac-based FOBT (gFOBT) for diagnostic purposes (82270 Blood occult by peroxidase activity [e.g. guaiac] qualitative; feces 1-3 simultaneous determinations) or colorectal cancer screening G0107 (Colorectal cancer screening; fecal-occult blood test 1-3 simultaneous determinations).

The latest NCCI edits'addition of the G0328/82274 code pair completes FOBT code bundling. NCCI continues to include the following code pairs added in previous NCCI versions: G0107/82270 82274/82270 G0328/82270 and G0328/G0107.

Bottom line: You must select only one FOBT test code based on the lab method used and the reason for the test (screening or diagnostic). "