Summary & Overview
HCPCS A4773: Occult Blood Test Strips for Dialysis, per 50
HCPCS Level II code A4773 denotes occul t blood test strips supplied in units of 50 for use in dialysis settings. These supply items support routine monitoring of dialysis effluent or related fluids to identify hidden blood, which can inform clinical troubleshooting and equipment assessment. Nationally, supply and accessory codes such as A4773 are important for facility billing, inventory management, and ensuring consistent access to diagnostic supplies used in dialysis care.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of billing and clinical context for the code, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers provided in the input, and guidance on where to locate payer-specific coverage rules. The publication outlines benchmarks and reimbursement context when available, summarizes potential policy updates affecting supply codes in outpatient dialysis settings, and explains clinical relevance for dialysis programs and billing staff.
This summary is written for a national audience and focuses on the clinical and billing characteristics of HCPCS Level II code A4773 as a dialysis-related diagnostic supply.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code A4773 describes occult blood test strips, for dialysis, per 50. These are supply items intended for use in dialysis care to detect occult (hidden) blood in dialysis effluent or related fluids. The service type is a durable medical supply/diagnostic testing supply used in conjunction with dialysis care. The typical site of service is dialysis centers and outpatient dialysis suites, including in-center hemodialysis units and other ambulatory dialysis settings.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient receiving A4773 is an adult undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in an outpatient dialysis center. The dialysis nursing team performs routine monitoring of the dialysis effluent and vascular access for occult blood to detect intradialytic bleeding or device-related hemolysis. A nurse or dialysis technician collects small aliquots of effluent or catheter/drainage fluid and applies the sample to occult blood test strips supplied in the 50-strip package identified by A4773. Results are documented in the patient’s dialysis treatment record and communicated to the supervising nephrologist. Positive or unexpected results trigger clinical correlation, additional testing (for example serum hemoglobin, fecal occult testing if indicated), and potential modification of anticoagulation during dialysis. Typical workflow steps: intake assessment and vitals, review of access site and effluent, sample application to test strip, result interpretation at bedside, documentation in the dialysis record, and escalation to the physician or vascular access team when indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Use when no modifier applies to the item. |