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Wiki throat culture

kkowanick

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Can anybody tell me if there is a code for obtaining the specimen for a throat culture?
 
Obtaining the specimen would be included in the E&M servicve.

If your office took the swab and sent it out, you could bill for specimen handling, 99000, but be aware that very few payors actually reimburse separately for the specimen handling.

If you did the rapid strep test in your office then you could bill 87880. For Medicare you need a modifier -QW.. assuming you have a CLIA Certificate of Waiver.

:) Erica
 
If obtaining the 87880 specimen is included in the E/M, would it be appropriate to add a -26 or -ZS for Medi-Cal? We process it in house. I'm being asked for a modifier.
 
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