Advanced Search

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader questions:

82930 and 83986 Bundle Gastric Acid pH Test

Published on Fri Jan 14, 2011

Question: We used to report our gastric acid analysis using 82926 and 83986 for free and total gastric acid plus pH. How should we report the same testing now that CPT deleted 82926? Answer: Beginning Jan. 1, you should report the testing you describe using 82930 (Gastric acid analysis, includes pH if performed, each specimen). CPT introduced this new code to replace two deleted codes: 82926 -- Gastric acid, free and total, each specimen 82928 -- Gastric acid, free or total, each specimen. Nix pH code: Although you still perform the pH test, you should not report 83986 (pH; body fluid, not otherwise specified) in addition to new code 82930 as you did with 82926. That's because the 82930 code definition specifies, "includes pH if performed." In fact, Medicare's latest Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) editscreates a new edit pair for 82930 and 83986, meaning that you should not report the two codes [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

View All