Urine Culture (Bacterial) and Serum Iron Studies (Revision of ICD-9-CM Codes for Pre-operative Examinations)

[Coding determinations made as part of the Coding Analysis for Laboratory (CAL) process do not constitute National Coverage Determinations (NCDs), but only serve to provide clarification on codes that are covered under a particular laboratory negotiated NCD.]

The list of “ICD-9-CM Code Covered by Medicare” associated with the current national coverage determinations (NCD) for urine culture (bacterial) and serum iron studies include ICD-9-CM code V72.84, pre-operative examination, unspecified.  We have previously reviewed the issue of inclusion of this code in the list of covered services for prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) tests.  (See www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?id=93.) We concluded that it is not appropriate under the Medicare statute to include codes for routine screening services in the list of covered codes for PT and PTT tests. In the decision memorandum for this issue, we noted that we would also reconsider the inclusion of V72.84 in the list of covered codes for urine culture (bacterial) and serum iron studies.   This lab coding analysis will address that issue.

June 15, 2004

July 26, 2004

August 3, 2004

November 26, 2004