Wiki CPT Code for swab collection?

[cfisher1]

Please advise if you are aware if there is a CPT code for a swab collection, similar to a phlebotomy collection.

 

[CodingKing]

No code for it, its similar to collecting a UA on the patient. If E&M on same DOS it would be inclusive.

 

[KC7NOA]

Same swab but nure visit

How about if it was done by a nurse during a non-scheduled visit ?

 

[mitchellde]

How about if it was done by a nurse during a non-scheduled visit ?

Unless the provider saw the patient in a previous visit for the same reason and ordered the swab as a follow up, there is no code you can charge. A 99211 as an incident to charge is for a visit that is incident to a physician having already evaluated and diagnosed the patient with a written plan of care that outlines the activity to be performed. If this patient presents symptomatic, the nurse cannot decide that a lab test wth a swab is the appropriate action, even if this is verbally discussed with the provider.

 

[kcouncil]

Unless the provider saw the patient in a previous visit for the same reason and ordered the swab as a follow up, there is no code you can charge. A 99211 as an incident to charge is for a visit that is incident to a physician having already evaluated and diagnosed the patient with a written plan of care that outlines the activity to be performed. If this patient presents symptomatic, the nurse cannot decide that a lab test wth a swab is the appropriate action, even if this is verbally discussed with the provider.

This is very helpful information! So if the the physician ask the the nurse to perform a swab to be sent to the lab to be tested for flu we would then code on 99211 and the symptoms?

 

[CodingKing]

This is very helpful information! So if the the physician ask the the nurse to perform a swab to be sent to the lab to be tested for flu we would then code on 99211 and the symptoms?

It would be included in whatever E&M level is billed for that day by the physician.