Can you clarify the terms “screening” or “screen?”
The use of the terms “screening” or “screen” in a CPT® code descriptor does not necessarily describe a test performed in the absence of signs and symptoms of illness, disease, or condition.
Routine Screening: Testing performed in the absence of signs, symptoms, complaints, personal history, or disease or injury is not covered by Medicare.
Preventive Screening: A statutory provision that explicitly covers a test performed to screen for a condition/disease in the absence of signs, symptoms, complaints, personal history, or disease or injury. Diagnostic Testing: when an individual is screened to rule out or to confirm a suspected diagnosis in the absence of signs and/or symptoms.
This question was answered in our annual Respiratory Therapy Reimbursement & Compliance Update webcast. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.
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Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.
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