Screening performed and negative
HCPCS code
Medical HCPCS Procedure: Screening Performed and Negative (G9920)
Name of the Procedure:
Common Name: Screening Test
Technical Term: Screening Performed and Negative
Summary
Screening Performed and Negative (G9920) is a preventive healthcare procedure where various tests are conducted to check for specific diseases or conditions. If the screening results are negative, it means that no signs of the condition were found.
Purpose
Screening procedures aim to detect potential health issues early, often before symptoms arise. The primary goal is to ensure early intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and potentially save lives.
Indications
- Routine health check-ups
- Family history of certain diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes)
- Age-specific recommendations (e.g., mammograms for women over 40)
- Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, obesity) that increase the risk of certain diseases
Preparation
- Fast for certain blood tests (e.g., glucose levels, cholesterol).
- Provide a complete medical history.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any current medications.
- Follow specific instructions for individual tests (e.g., colonoscopy preparation).
Procedure Description
- Initial Consultation: Discuss medical history, family history, and any symptoms.
- Test Selection: Based on the initial consultation, specific tests are chosen (e.g., blood tests, imaging scans).
- Conducting the Tests: Patients undergo the selected tests, usually involving blood draws, urine samples, imaging, or physical exams.
- Review and Analysis: Results are reviewed by the healthcare provider to determine the presence or absence of the disease.
Tools, Equipment, and Technology Used
- Blood draw kits
- Imaging machines (e.g., X-ray, MRI, ultrasound)
- Sample collection containers
Anesthesia or Sedation
Not typically required for standard screening tests.
Duration
The entire process, including consultation, testing, and review, typically takes a few hours to a day depending on the complexity and number of tests.
Setting
- Primary care clinics
- Diagnostic labs
- Outpatient medical centers
Personnel
- Primary care physicians
- Nurses
- Lab technicians
- Radiologists (for imaging tests)
Risks and Complications
- Mild discomfort or bruising from blood draws
- Exposure to low levels of radiation (for imaging tests)
- False positives or negatives, necessitating further testing
Benefits
- Early detection of possible health issues
- Peace of mind from negative results
- Informed decision-making about future healthcare needs
Recovery
- Most screening procedures do not require recovery time.
- Patients can typically resume normal activities immediately after the tests.
- Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results.
Alternatives
- Diagnostic tests based on existing symptoms
- Pros: Direct diagnosis and treatment.
- Cons: Potential delay in detecting asymptomatic conditions.
- Lifestyle changes without regular screening
- Pros: Non-invasive and no immediate costs.
- Cons: Missed early detection opportunities.
Patient Experience
- During the Procedure: Minimal discomfort during blood draws or physical exams. Imaging tests are generally painless.
- After the Procedure: Most feel normal with no need for special care. Any discomfort is usually minor and temporary.
- Pain Management: Any minor discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Regular screenings are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare. Despite the potential for minor discomfort or the anxiety of awaiting results, the benefits of early detection and peace of mind make screenings a valuable part of routine health maintenance.