2006 GI lab codes: fecal occult and lactoferrin

Why This Topic Matters

These annual code updates affect how gastroenterology laboratory services are reported for screening and diagnostic purposes, especially when payer rules differ from standard CPT guidance. Understanding the changes helps reduce claim errors and supports accurate reporting of GI lab testing.

Article Sections

1. Code update overview

   Introduces the 2006 gastroenterology laboratory coding updates and explains that the article focuses on fecal occult blood and fecal lactoferrin reporting changes.

2. Medicare reporting note

   Provides a general payer-specific note about Medicare reporting for screening fecal occult blood testing and references related HCPCS options.

3. Revised codes

   Lists the CPT laboratory entries that were revised for 2006 in the gastroenterology area.

4. New codes

   Lists the CPT laboratory entries that were newly added for 2006 in the gastroenterology area.

5. Deleted code

   Identifies the CPT laboratory entry that was removed from the 2006 set.