82270,82272,82274

Well I'm confused now, I used to use 82270 when a pt came in for physical's when the doctor did his "rectal" exam, 82272 if they were having an "rectal" exam for a certain reason eg: hemorrhoids. However they both state pt given a card for collection, and there is the 82274. Can someone please help me. Which code to use for physical and which one for other exams. and what is the 82274 for. Thanks

How about this...

82272 for one specimen done using the card during an exam, 82270 for the take home kit where the patient collects 3 specimens on the card and sends it in; 82274 is for a immune hemoccult test- it's often a little vial with a stick. It also detects occult blood but with a newer technology and fewer false positives (also costs more but reimburses more)

and I should add

the ICD determines why it was done- so you can use 82272 linked to Rectal bleeding 569.3 or to screening V76.41 depending on the purpose. The take home kit is usually for screening V76.41 as is 82274.