So Why Aren't People Routinely Tested?
"Part of the issue is that doctors have other conditions to worry about, such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, but the other problem is that there's no diagnosis code to support a routine test."If they have abnormal liver enzymes, then they can check, but if they have normal liver tests -- perfectly healthy -- they don't have an (internal classification of diseases) code," Dr. Thuluvath said.
ICD codes are codes insurance companies use to determine payment, so if a test is run for a disease without a reason, the company may deny payment. Thuluvath said what's needed is education for doctors and insurance companies.
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