AMA CPT® Assistant - 2002 Issue 9 (September)
Pathology and Laboratory/Chemistry (September 2002)
September 2002 page 10c Coding Consultation:Pathology and Laboratory/Chemistry Chemistry, Pathology and Laboratory, 82044 (Q&A) Question Can I use code 82044 to report a urine microalbumin test that provides a qualitative result? AMA Comment It would not be appropriate to report code 82044, Albumin; urine, microalbumin, semiquantitative (eg, reagent strip assay), for a urine microalbumin test that provides a qualitative result, as this code is specific for a testing procedure providing a semiquantitative result. Instead, the appropriate methodology code would be reported. NOTE: When searching for the appropriate code(s) for a laboratory test, look first for a code that...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article presents a coding consultation from CPT Assistant focused on pathology and laboratory chemistry reporting. It explains the general framework for identifying laboratory tests by analyte or methodology and discusses when a reported result type may affect code selection. The piece is useful for laboratory coders, pathology billing staff, and others who need to interpret CPT guidance for test reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Laboratory test reporting depends on selecting codes that match the test being performed and the way it is characterized in the code set. This article helps readers understand the general CPT approach to reviewing laboratory code options and recognizing when a code may not match the reported testing format.
Article Sections
-
Coding Consultation: Pathology and Laboratory/Chemistry
An editorial-style coding Q&A on laboratory chemistry reporting within CPT Assistant. It frames the reporting issue and the related coding guidance being discussed.
-
Question
The reader asks about reporting a urine microalbumin test and whether a specific CPT code applies to the result format described.
-
AMA Comment
The response discusses general laboratory code selection principles and when to look to analyte-specific or methodology-based reporting options.
What You Will Learn
- How CPT Assistant frames a laboratory coding question and response
- General considerations for identifying laboratory tests by analyte or methodology
- The role of result format in evaluating whether a laboratory code is appropriate
- The concept of using unlisted procedure codes only when needed
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Pathology and laboratory billing staff
- Compliance teams
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Clinical laboratory administrators
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com
