Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Strep Group Dictates PCR Test Codes
Published on Tue Oct 16, 2018
Question: How should we report the service when our lab tests for Strep group A and group B on a throat swab using an amplified probe technique? Washington Subscriber Answer: You should report one code for each test as follows: Strep group B rarely causes “strep throat,” so it would be unusual for a clinician to order the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for both group A and group B. You might want to check with the clinician regarding the reason for the order, and check the payer’s coverage rules for the test.
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