Signs and symptoms for diagnostic tests

Why This Topic Matters

Correct diagnosis reporting affects whether claims align with the indication for a diagnostic test and how confirmed or incidental findings are represented on the claim. The guidance is relevant for avoiding unsupported diagnoses and for understanding what type of diagnosis information belongs on test-related claims.

Article Sections

1. Diagnosis coding for diagnostic tests

   Overview of how diagnosis information should be reported for diagnostic test claims under CMS and ICD-9-CM guidance. The section addresses the distinction between symptoms, suspected conditions, and confirmed diagnoses.

2. Confirmed diagnoses and normal test results

   Discussion of when a diagnosis can be reported after testing and what should be reported when the test does not identify a new condition. The section focuses on the relationship between test findings and the diagnosis reported by the interpreting physician.

3. Incidental diagnoses

   Explanation of findings discovered during testing that are unrelated to the original reason for the exam. The section covers how these types of findings are handled in the context of diagnostic test reporting.

4. Resources

   References to CMS program material, federal guidance, and Medicare manual resources cited in the article.