You Be the Coder:
Beckton, Dickinson Test
Published on Thu Feb 01, 2001
Question: What is the correct code for the new Beckton, Dickinson test for influenza A and B (BD Directigen Flu A+B)? It is an in vitro enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test for the presence of influenza A and B antigens in nasal/bronchial washings/brushings. Since the test provides two determinations one for influenza A, and one for influenza B would two services be reported?
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Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.
Answer: CPT Codes 2001 added a new code that describes this test 87400 (infectious agent antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay technique, qualitative or semi-quantitative, multiple step method; influenza, A or B, each). Because this kit involves two separate tests, using two separate wells involving the addition of different reagents and the reading of two separate results, 87400 should be reported twice. This is clarified in the code definition, which uses the term each.
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