The ICD-10 code for occult blood screening is Z12.11. This code is used to denote a routine screening test for the presence of occult blood in the stool. Occult blood refers to the presence of small amounts of blood that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be detected through laboratory tests. The purpose of occult blood screening is to detect early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which may be an indication of various conditions such as colorectal cancer, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease. It is a preventive measure that can help identify potential health issues before they become more serious.
Coding for screening and diagnostic fecal occult blood test
You'll need to ask yourself two questions before proceeding with coding for these procedures.
Key Points
Q: I am looking for help with CPT codes 82270 and 82272. The wording for these 2 codes is confusing because they are so similar. Code 82270 includes the wording "consecutive collected specimens with single determination, for colorectal neoplasm screening." Code 82272 includes the wording "1 to 3 simultaneous determinations, performed for other than colorectal neoplasm screening." When should we bill each of the codes, and can we bill 82272 if only 1 specimen is obtained-say, during a digital rectal exam?
A: Let's break down your query to the 2 questions you'll need to answer to determine which test, if any, should be billed.
If the test is for screening purposes, then you should bill 82270. This code always will be billed as a separate service when the developer has been placed on the cards after the 3 completed cards (or 1 completed triple card) have been returned to the office.
If a patient presents to the office with symptoms, however, a diagnostic fecal occult blood test (FOBT) would be performed and billed (82272). Code 82272 can be billed if 1 to 3 specimens are obtained (we'll discuss how to determine the number of specimens needed in the section below).
As we discussed above, for the screening test (82270), 3 consecutive stool specimens must be sampled. This means that the triple card or 3 separate single cards must be completed.
The number of specimens required for a diagnostic FOBT depends on the severity of the patient's problems, however. For example, if the patient presents with a complaint of severe abdominal pain and black, tarry stools, the physician would need to know immediately whether the patient has evidence of active gastrointestinal bleeding. If the physician collects 1 specimen, developer is added to check the color, and blood is found in the stool, then there is no need to collect 2 additional specimens because the physician is able to diagnose the problem without them.
On the other hand, if a patient presents with abdominal cramping on and off for the past 2 months, the situation is significantly less urgent and the physician would opt to send the patient home with 3 cards (or 1 triple card) to return to the office. In this situation, code 82272 would be billed when the card(s) are returned to the office and developer has been added.
If a screening FOBT is performed and only 1 specimen is collected, this is not a billable service. As we discussed earlier, code 82270 should be used for screening purposes, and this code requires 3 specimens in order to correctly be billed. Three specimens are required because internal medicine studies have shown that 1 specimen does not meet the threshold of being a "reasonable" means to screen for colorectal cancer.
The author is a compliance manager for Baptist Medical Associates in Louisville, Kentucky. Do you have a primary care-related coding question that you would like our experts to address in this column? Send it to [email protected]
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ICD-10-CM Code for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum Z12.12
It is a preventive measure that can help identify potential health issues before they become more serious. The ICD-10 code Z12.11 is specifically assigned to individuals who are asymptomatic and without any known risk factors for gastrointestinal diseases.
ICD-10 code Z12.12 for Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Factors influencing health status and contact with health services .
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Official Long Descriptor
Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectumZ12 Excludes1: encounter for diagnostic examination-code to sign or symptom Use additional code to identify any family history of malignant neoplasm (Z80.-)
Additional/Related Information
Tabs- 7 th Character Notes
- Category Notes
- Chapter Guidelines
Get crucial instructions for accurate ICD-10-CM Z12.12 coding with all applicable Excludes 1 and Excludes 2 notes from the section level conveniently shown with each code.
This section shows you chapter-specific coding guidelines to increase your understanding and correct usage of the target ICD-10-CM Volume 1 code.
Crosswalks
Tabs- ICD-9-CM CROSSWALK
Forum
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2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z12.11
This code is used when the screening test is performed as a routine check-up and not as a result of any signs or symptoms exhibited by the patient. By assigning specific codes for occult blood screening, healthcare providers and insurers can accurately document and categorize the purpose of the test. This allows for efficient tracking of healthcare interventions, research, and billing purposes. In conclusion, the ICD-10 code for occult blood screening is Z12.11. This code is used to indicate a routine screening test for the presence of occult blood in the stool, which can help detect early signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and potential underlying health conditions..
Reviews for "The Role of ICD 10 Coding System in Occult Blood Screening: Case Studies"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with the Icd 10 code for occult blood screening. It was confusing and difficult to navigate. The terminology used was unclear, and I had trouble finding the appropriate code for the specific screening I was conducting. This made it frustrating and time-consuming to complete my documentation accurately. I would not recommend this resource to others in the medical field.
2. John - 2 stars - The Icd 10 code for occult blood screening was not user-friendly at all. It lacked the necessary details and explanations to help me understand the codes and their use. Additionally, the layout of the website was outdated and made it difficult to find the relevant information quickly. I ended up wasting a lot of time trying to navigate through the code options. Overall, I would not recommend this resource as there are better alternatives available.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - I found the Icd 10 code for occult blood screening to be quite confusing. The categorization of codes was not intuitive, and it was difficult to determine which one to use for certain scenarios. The lack of clear examples or explanations only added to the confusion. Although I eventually managed to find the code I needed, it took me longer than it should have. Overall, I believe this resource could be improved to make it more user-friendly and accessible to medical professionals.
4. Michael - 1 star - The Icd 10 code for occult blood screening was a nightmare to work with. It lacked proper organization and didn't provide enough clarity on the specifics of each code. I struggled to find the appropriate code for the specific type of screening I was conducting, and this caused a lot of frustration and wasted time. I expected a more comprehensive and user-friendly resource from an important coding standard like Icd 10. I would not recommend this resource to anyone in the medical field.