When ASC coders are coding for drug testing, they need to be aware of the two codes possible and the differences between the codes, according to AAPC. The code 80104 can be used for multiple drugs or drug classes other than the chromatographic method. The code 80101 should be used to report if qualitative methods other than chromatography are used to test for a single drug only.
When using a kit containing multiple dipsticks or cups, report the code 80104 rather than multiple units of 80101. The American Medical Association said these kits are effectively running multiple tests at once in a single procedure, according to the report. Using the improper code can add up to thousands of dollars in improper payments per claim.
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