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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Influenza Testing:

87804, 87400, 87254: Don't Miss Pay for Second Flu Strain

Published on Wed Apr 06, 2011

Lab method directs code choice.Influenza -- is that A or B? If your lab test helps you answer the A/B question, you might be able to report two units of the test code. Missing the second test could cost your lab up to $27 in lost revenue.The following expert tips can help you get your flu coding on course to capture all the pay you deserve.Report 87400 for 'Each'If your lab performs a test that looks for influenza A or B antigens using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique, you should use 87400 (Infectious agent antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay technique, qualitative or semiquantitative, multiple-step method; influenza, A or B, each). The specimen source for this test may include blood, nasopharyngeal wash, throat swab, or sputum."Whether positive or negative, if the EIA antigen test involves results for A and for B, you should list 87400 x 2," says William Dettwyler, MT AMT, president [...]
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