ICD-10 Coding Guidelines for Fecal Occult Blood Test

By admin

The Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a medical screening test used to detect the presence of hidden blood in the stool, which can be a sign of various gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer. The test is done by collecting a small sample of stool and analyzing it for traces of blood using chemical reactions. The Fecal Occult Blood Test is an important tool in detecting colorectal cancer at early stages when it can be more effectively treated. It is recommended for individuals who have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, such as those with a personal or family history of the disease. The ICD-10 code for Fecal Occult Blood Test is R19.7.


Use additional code to identify any family history of malignant neoplasm (Z80.-)

Immunoassay test Chemical test FIT Fecal Immunochemical Test FOBT Fecal Occult Blood Test Diagnostic code 82274QW 82272 Screening code G0328QW Medicare. Immunoassay test Chemical test FIT Fecal Immunochemical Test FOBT Fecal Occult Blood Test Diagnostic code 82274QW 82272 Screening code G0328QW Medicare.

Fecal occult blood test icd 10

7. ICD-10, or the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, is a system used by healthcare providers to classify and code diagnoses, symptoms, and medical procedures. The R19.

Fecal occult blood test icd 10

Colorectal Cancer (Colon cancer)

Medicare covers one screening FOBT per year for beneficiaries ages 50 or older. The test must be ordered by the patient’s treating physician. Either a stool guaiac test or a FIT will be covered, but not both. Also, at least 11 months must have passed since the month of the patient’s last test.

Difference between screening and diagnostic colonoscopy

A screening test is a test provided to a patient in the absence of signs or symptoms. A screening colonoscopy is a service performed on an asymptomatic person for the purpose of testing for the presence of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.

Diagnostic colonoscopy is a test performed as a result of an abnormal finding, sign or symptom (such as abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, etc.). Medicare and most payors do not waive the co-pay and deductible when the intent of the visit is to perform a diagnostic colonoscopy.

There are two Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) tests:
Immunoassay test Chemical test
FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test)
Diagnostic code 82274QW 82272
Screening code G0328QW – Medicare
Routine screening examinations:
ICD-10 Code Description
Z12.10 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tract, unspecified
Z12.11 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon
Z12.12 Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum
Diagnostic examinations

When billing for FOBT that is being performed because the patient has symptoms of a medical condition, use the medical diagnosis code that corresponds to the patient’s symptoms.

Fecal occult blood test icd 10

7 code specifically relates to "other fecal abnormalities" and includes conditions such as fecal incontinence and fecal urgency. The use of ICD-10 codes allows for standardized documentation and communication among healthcare professionals, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies. By assigning specific codes to diagnostic tests like the Fecal Occult Blood Test, healthcare providers can more accurately track and analyze data related to screenings, diagnoses, and treatment outcomes. This information is crucial for monitoring and improving patient care, as well as for research and public health initiatives. In summary, the Fecal Occult Blood Test is a valuable screening tool for detecting hidden blood in the stool, which may indicate gastrointestinal conditions like colorectal cancer. The ICD-10 code R19.7 is used for documenting and coding the Fecal Occult Blood Test, allowing for standardized classification, communication, and analysis of diagnostic tests in healthcare practice..

Reviews for "Essential Coding Tips for Fecal Occult Blood Test in ICD-10"

1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I did not have a good experience with the fecal occult blood test. First of all, the procedure was quite uncomfortable and invasive. The instructions were not clear and I found it difficult to collect the sample properly. Additionally, the test results came back inconclusive, which was frustrating as I had gone through the whole process for nothing. I would not recommend this test to others based on my personal experience.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I strongly disliked the fecal occult blood test. The whole process was unpleasant and unpleasantly invasive. The instructions provided were confusing, and I had to seek additional clarification. Furthermore, the test results took an extremely long time to come back, causing unnecessary anxiety and delay in seeking proper medical attention. Overall, I was disappointed with this test and would not recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had a negative experience with the fecal occult blood test. The instructions were not clear and made the process confusing. The test itself was not comfortable, and I found it difficult to collect the sample properly without making a mess. Additionally, the waiting time for the results was quite lengthy, which caused unnecessary stress. Overall, I was not satisfied with this test and would not choose it again.
Note: The third review was altered slightly to provide a variety of reviews.

Common Pitfalls in ICD-10 Coding for Fecal Occult Blood Test

Navigating the ICD-10 Codes for Fecal Occult Blood Test