Benefits of a CLIA Waived Rapid Flu Test
When the Consult Rapid Flu Test is performed with a nasal swab, it will differentiate between influenza A and influenza B using one simple. Every year millions of Americans see the doctor with flu like symptoms but only a small percentage will be positive. Rapid diagnostic flu tests would be useful in clinical practice, especially when treating children and other patients at risk for flu-related complications. Influenza is a highly contagious, acute, viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is a communicable disease that is easily transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Flu season outbreaks occur each year during the fall and winter months.
Difference Between Influenza and Common Cold
Respiratory tract infections are a common reason for prescribing antibiotics although many of these infections do not require such therapy. During the flu season, using a rapid flu test to quickly diagnose influenza can help to reduce antibiotic use, allow for infection control and reduce overall costs related to additional diagnostic investigations. Quickly identifying patients who are infectious with influenza will allow for appropriate treatment with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs are most effective when administered within 48 hours at the onset of symptoms. Rapid diagnosis of influenza with a rapid flu test at the point of care is critical to ensuring that patients are able to receive these antiviral medications as quickly as possible.
CPT Code and Reimbursement for the CLIA Waived Rapid Influenza Test Kit
The Consult Influenza test kit is CLIA Waived rapid flu test intended for Professional Use Only and is the responsibility of the medical professional to bill properly using the right ICD-9 and CPT-codes.
- Influenza A CPT-Code: 87804QW ($16.88)
- Influenza B CPT-Code: 87804-59QW ($16.88)
Note : This are Medicare national limits and the amount of reimbursement for rapid influenza test may vary by State and private insurance carrier.