Q Does the revised code 82270 for fecal occult blood replace the Medicare code G0107 (colorectal cancer screening; fecal-occult blood test, 1–3 simultaneous determinations)?
A No. Medicare will continue to require that a screening guaiac fecal occult blood test be billed using G0107.
The revised CPT code 82270, however, affects the way you can bill for the guaiac fecal occult blood test.
The CPT 2006 revised code now states that the patient is provided with 3 cards or a single triple card for consecutive collection. The changed nomenclature states that this code is to be used for screening.
Effective January 1, 2006, the code 82270 does not apply when the physician takes the sample in the office.
The new code, 82272 (blood, occult, by peroxidase activity [guaiac], qualitative, feces, single specimen [from digital rectal exam]) should be used for this circumstance.
Ms. Witt, former program manager in the Department of Coding and Nomenclature at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, is an independent coding and documentation consultant. Reimbursement Adviser reflects the most commonly accepted interpretations of CPT-4 and ICD-9-CM coding. When in doubt on a coding or billing matter, check with your individual payer.