Question

question 22

a 35-year-old type ii diabetic is feeling weak. the physician performs a stat glucose test in which a finger stick is done placing the drop of blood on a reagent strip. the test indicates the patient is hypoglycemic. the physician gives the patient some glucose supplements and performs another stat glucose test using the same lab test as before 30 minutes later. the second test shows the glucose levels returned to normal. how are the lab tests reported?

82948, 82948-76
82948, 82948-91
82947, 82947-76
82947, 82947-91

Explanation:

Identify the correct CPT code for the glucose test

The physician performs a glucose test using a finger stick and a reagent strip.

• CPT code 82948 represents "Glucose; blood, reagent strip".
• CPT code 82947 represents "Glucose; quantitative, blood (except reagent strip)".

Therefore, the correct base code is 82948.

Determine the appropriate modifier for a repeat laboratory test

The physician performs the exact same laboratory test 30 minutes later on the same day to monitor the patient's response to glucose supplements.

• Modifier 91 is used to report repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory tests performed on the same day to obtain subsequent test results.
• Modifier 76 is used for repeat procedures by the same physician, but is not the specific modifier designated for repeat clinical laboratory tests.

Therefore, the second test is reported as 82948-91.

Answer:

• (A) 82948, 82948-76
• (B) 82948, 82948-91 (Correct answer)
• (C) 82947, 82947-76
• (D) 82947, 82947-91