Question

During a physician office encounter, a patient underwent T3-T4 and blood glucose laboratory test, bone density scan, and chest x-ray. The provider documented hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and chest pain due to possible hiatal hernia. Which diagnosis justifies medical necessity for the T3-T4 blood test? Group of answer choices

O diabetes mellitus
O chest pain
O hypothyroidism
O osteoporosis

Answer 1

The T3-T4 blood test is medically necessary for diagnosing hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland producing insufficient thyroid hormones. O hypothyroidism

Step-by-step explanation:

Medical Necessity for T3-T4 Test

The diagnosis that justifies medical necessity for the T3-T4 blood test is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and low heart rate. The testing of T3 and T4 levels in the blood is crucial for diagnosing and managing hypothyroidism. Other conditions mentioned, such as diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and chest pain due to a possible hiatal hernia, have their specific diagnostic tests and are not directly related to thyroid hormone levels. Diabetes mellitus, for instance, is diagnosed and monitored using fasting blood glucose tests and the A1C test, which assesses average blood glucose levels over two to three months.

In the case of hypothyroidism, tests that measure T3 and T4 levels are essential for determining the thyroid gland's activity. An underactive thyroid gland results in lower than normal levels of these hormones, leading to various symptoms and requiring treatment with thyroid hormone supplements. Diagnosing hypothyroidism accurately is important, and blood tests of thyroid hormone levels must be conducted to make a conclusive diagnosis.