Question:
May I use codes 86255 and 86256 to test for Rocky Mountain spotted fever?
Answer:
Unfortunately, no. The test description for codes 86255 and 86256 changed in recent years. The phrase “noninfectious agent” was added, which invalidates these codes when testing for infectious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for Laboratories. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.