Wiki 82274 when to bill

[hsmith67]

If provider gives patient tubes for specimen collection for fecal occult blood they either: a) obtain specimen and return to office or b) don't bother with specimen collection. My question is: do I bill 82274 based on giving the patient tubes (provider has incurred expense and expense has walked out the door with patient) or do I bill based on specimen returning and results obtained? Problem is non-compliant patients. Provider pays for tubes, patient takes them home, throws in trash. This is rare, but it does happen. I think I know the answer, but I am in the middle of an argument that makes some valid points. Just want a fellow AAPC member to help me settle the score.

 

[kumeena]

hmmmm. Interesting. I am waiting for responses. Curious to know

 

[hunters]

Unfortunately, you can not bill the patient when giving them the tubes. You can only bill when the specimen is returned.

Sharon Hunter, CPC

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

Sharon is absolutely correct. You cannot code for these tests until the kit is returned to be processed.

 

[hsmith67]

Thanks

Thanks for your help! I thought that was the correct answer to begin with, but I wanted provider to hear from someone besides just me.
Hunter

 

[ibtrazy2u]

What if they return 2 out of 3 cards? Can you bill at that point or do you have to wait until all cards are returned?