decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2005 Issue 12 (December)
2006 changes to FOBT designed to ensure that correct code is used
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Article Overview
This article covers 2006 revisions to fecal occult blood test coding and why those changes were made. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinicians who report laboratory or preventive screening services, with emphasis on how CPT and Medicare references were being aligned for different specimen collection methods and test settings.
Why This Topic Matters
The update affects how fecal occult blood testing is reported in common office and screening scenarios, and it highlights the need to distinguish among specimen types, collection settings, and Medicare-specific reporting.
Article Sections
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Code Changes – 2006
Overview of the 2006 fecal occult blood test coding changes and a comparison with prior-year reporting conventions. Includes discussion of related CPT and Medicare references.
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Rationale for the change
Background on why the coding update was requested and the broader screening context that led to the revision. Discusses physician practice patterns and the goal of better distinguishing test scenarios.
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How the revised coding works
Summary of the revised fecal occult blood test reporting structure and related reimbursement crosswalk information. Also notes the remaining Medicare HCPCS alignment issue.
What You Will Learn
- How the 2006 fecal occult blood testing coding update was structured
- Why the reporting distinctions between specimen collection scenarios were introduced
- Which code sets and payer references were involved in the update
- How the article frames the transition from prior coding conventions to the revised approach
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing and reimbursement staff
- Primary care practices
- Gastroenterology practices
- Compliance and revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
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