Health Information Management

Q/A: Coding for blood glucose checks

APCs Insider, July 10, 2009

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Q: Which CPT code is appropriate for blood glucose monitoring with a device such as ACCU-CHEK®? We provide this service in all areas of our hospital, including  nursing units and ancillary departments.

Which of the following codes is appropriate for a hospital setting?

  • 82948 (glucose; blood, reagent strip)
  • 82962 (glucose, blood by glucose monitoring device cleared by the FDA specifically for home use)
 

A: If you investigate further, you will see that this device is “cleared by the FDA specifically for home use.” This does not mean that the same device is not appropriate for use in other settings. Therefore, 82962 is the most appropriate code.

Because this is a CLIA-waived test modifier QW (CLIA waived tests; certifies that the provider is performing testing for the procedure with the use of a specific test kit from manufacturers identified by CMS) may be applicable.



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