CPT Knowledge Base - Sep 1, 2006
Can code 87449 be reported for the confirmation test in addition to code 87340 hepatitis B surface antigen if the test is positive on a patient who has not previously been reported as positive? ...
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Article Overview
This article explains a CPT coding question about hepatitis B surface antigen testing and a related confirmatory test. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and laboratory coding professionals who need to understand when the article’s scenario involves separately reportable testing and when it does not. The guidance focuses on the testing context, the role of the confirmatory procedure, and the circumstances that affect reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Laboratory coding for hepatitis testing can depend on how the confirmatory work is performed and why it was ordered. Understanding the article helps avoid inconsistent CPT reporting in scenarios involving positive screening results and follow-up confirmation.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames CPT reporting for hepatitis B surface antigen testing
- What general factors affect whether a confirmatory test scenario is reportable
- How the article distinguishes clinical confirmation from quality assurance testing at a high level
- Why the patient’s prior reporting history is relevant to the question posed
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing specialists
- Laboratory coders
- Revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
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