Useful in the confirmation of the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis when clinical examination is not conclusive. This section excludes routine physical examinations. This section allows coverage and payment for only those services that are considered to be medically reasonable and necessary. Rheumatoid factor testing is medically indicated for those patients whose clinical diagnosis ishighly suspicious for confirmation. The patient's treatment course would be dependent upon the outcome of the test.
Diagnostic codes are to be used at their highest level of specificity.
Fourth and fifth digits should be utilized when they are available. EMC and hard copy claims will be monitored for appropriateness and frequency. 1997 CPT Physicians' Current Procedural Terminology, American Medical Association 3. Use of V82.9 or comparable narrative will result in the denial of claims as non covered screening services. All ICD-9 diagnosis codes must be coded to the highest level of specificity.