Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Focus MRI Pre-Procedure Lab Test Coding
Question: How should we code a creatinine test ordered to evaluate kidney function before a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) with contrast? Iowa Subscriber Answer: The appropriate procedure code is 82565 (Creatinine; blood). By measuring the level of creatinine in the blood, the clinician can determine that the patient’s kidney function is appropriate for safely clearing the contrast solution from the body. Labs may also perform a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test, such as 84520 (Urea nitrogen; quantitative) prior to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test with contrast. The appropriate diagnosis code to accompany the test is Z01.812 (Encounter for preprocedural laboratory examination), which demonstrates that the test is a preprocedural step before conducting an MRI with contrast.
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- Medicare:
3 Top Takeaways From the Newest PLA NCCI Edits
Discover which code pairs are now open to separate payment. Medicare recently added more than [...] - Modifiers:
Master Modifier 26, TC Coding With These 5 Tips
Hint: These modifiers can’t separate every lab service. When your pathologist interprets a lab test, [...] - HIPAA:
Maintain These HIPAA Best Practices, Avoid These Common Violations
Latest HIPAA report highlights how practices let PHI fall through the cracks. If your lab [...] - You Be the Coder:
Sidestep Mohs Bundling Pitfalls
Question: We have a dermatology client who, when performing a Mohs procedure, sometimes asks our pathologist [...] - Reader Questions:
Recognize Multiplex Parameters
Question: The lab performs a triple antibody stain on a melanoma specimen using SOX10, which stains [...] - Reader Questions:
Focus MRI Pre-Procedure Lab Test Coding
Question: How should we code a creatinine test ordered to evaluate kidney function before a magnetic [...] - Reader Questions:
Don’t Miss Antibody-Specific Codes
Question: A clinician ordered antibody tests for ANCA and ASCA to help distinguish forms of inflammatory [...]
