Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement - 2013 Issue 7
Part B Coding Coach: Collect for Hemoccult Testing With These Expert Tips
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This coding article reviews fecal occult blood testing in the outpatient setting and focuses on how the reason for testing, specimen collection method, and payer context affect reporting. It is aimed at coders and billing staff who need to understand the differences among common CPT and HCPCS options tied to hemoccult and immunoassay-based stool testing, along with the related diagnosis code categories referenced in the discussion.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate reporting for stool blood testing depends on recognizing whether the service is screening or diagnostic, who collected the specimen, and which test type was performed. These details can affect claim submission, coverage, and how the service is represented in coding workflows.
Article Sections
-
Assign the Appropriate Code for Each Type of Collection
Introduces the main stool blood testing code categories discussed in the article and explains how collection circumstances factor into reporting.
-
Ask Reason for the Test
Focuses on the importance of screening versus diagnostic intent and the related diagnosis coding categories mentioned for each context.
-
Tread Carefully With the Number of Units
Discusses how unit reporting is addressed for the stool blood testing services covered in the article.
-
Determine Who Obtains the Sample
Reviews how specimen collection location and the role of the provider influence code selection and whether the service is considered screening.
-
Extra
Covers an additional stool blood testing code option and the related Medicare screening context referenced in the article.
What You Will Learn
- How stool blood testing is categorized for coding purposes
- How screening and diagnostic intent affect reporting
- How specimen collection circumstances relate to code selection
- Which additional stool blood testing option is mentioned for immunoassay-based screening
- How Medicare-related context is discussed for this testing area
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- OB-GYN coding specialists
- Outpatient clinic administrators
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com