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Wiki Ova and Parasite smear with smear complex stain

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crystalkay

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Baldwin, WI
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How do you bill

CPT 87177 Ova and parasite smear X 3
CPT 87209 Smear complex stain X 3

Do you bill with units or by line with a modifier?

Thank you!
 
Hi,
You will need to research this. Looking at the CPT book for 87177 underneath it states for complex special stain (trichrome, iron hemotoxylin) use 87209. I am unsure how this is processed. I bet that 87177 and 87209 have a billing relationship that will need to be researched. You may want to find out if your facility has a laboratory catalog you can refer to - this can be so helpful with denials. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask why such and such codes were applied - those conversations are invaluable. Also if you know what is being tested for the 87209 - you may want to add a procedure comment stating what it is. Are you processing it or it's a send out. If it's a send out - google their site for a laboratory catalog site. It will typically tell you why it is billed they way it is. Remember to bill it correctly and appeal every time.
Hopefully this will help,
Dana Chock, CPC, CCA, CPMA, CHONC, CPMA, CPB
Anesthesia, Pathology and Laboratory Coder
 
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