Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Clarify Screening Pap Ordering Diagnosis
Question: We-re getting denials when physicians order screening Pap smears as part of the annual well-woman exam. Why are these charges denied, and what can we do about it? Mississippi Subscriber Answer: Physicians often report V72.31 (Routine gynecological examination) to order a Pap smear as part of the gynecological exam because ICD-9 states that the code describes the service "with or without Papanicolaou cervical smear." But many lab payers won't cover a Pap smear linked to V72.31 because the lab does not perform the gynecological exam. Do this: You should use the diagnosis code for a routine Pap smear -- V76.2 (Special screening for malignant neoplasms; cervix) as the ordering diagnosis for the lab test. Even if the physician uses V72.31 on the lab order, you can change the code to V76.2. -- Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were prepared with the assistance of R.M. Stainton Jr., MD, president of Doctors- Anatomic Pathology Services in Jonesboro, Ark.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- 5 Steps Net Surgical Consult Pay -- Every Time
Learn to maneuver 88329-88334 pitfalls and possibilities Specimens, blocks, sites -- if you don't know [...] - 3 Scenarios Test Your Surgical Consultation Savvy
Zero in on blocks and sites to bring every penny in the door Now that [...] - New ABN Solves Noncovered Test Woes -- Here's How
Use universal form to ensure lab test pay If your payer denies coverage because you [...] - You Be the Coder:
Beware of Manual Diff Reflex
Question: If a physician orders a CBC with automated differential but the test results reflex [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Miss New Retrograde Ejaculation Code
Question: A physician ordered an automated urinalysis with a microscopic exam for retrograde ejaculation. Should [...] - Reader Questions:
Zero In on Tracheal Aspirate Methods
Question: We received a "tracheal aspirate for cytologic evaluation" consisting of 3 cc of fluid [...] - Reader Questions:
Document 2 Flu-Strain Test
Question: We use the BinaxNOW influenza A and B testing kit, which gives results for [...] - Reader Questions:
Clarify E/M Requirements With FNA
Question: When our pathologist performs an FNA extraction, he generally documents speaking with the patient [...] - Reader Questions:
Clarify Screening Pap Ordering Diagnosis
Question: We-re getting denials when physicians order screening Pap smears as part of the annual [...]
