Compliance Question of the Week – Laboratory

CPT® codes 88271 and 88275 have an MUE of 16 and 12 respectively. We use an outside reference lab that bills us a quantity of 1 and 1 cost for all tests performed. Should we (hospital) then bill a quantity of 1 and $1 total or bill quantity of 16 and 12 respectively with $1 amount?

How often does Medicare cover screening tests?

Are methodology specific CPT® codes from the chemistry section applicable to the coding of drugs of abuse testing?

If a test kit contains a card with five different spots each testing for a different species of an infectious agent, how many units of service (UOS) can be reported for Medicare claims?

The descriptors for both CPT® codes 82803 and 82805 begin with the word “gases.” Does this mean there must be two or more blood gases measured?

Last week you said there were more than 80 new molecular pathology codes. Do you know why there are so many?

Has there been any word yet from CMS on the annual meeting where the public presents its opinions on payments for 2019 new codes etc.?

When does the new MAAA code for oncology take effect?

Last week’s question related to Medicare separate payment for specimen-collection codes. You said that Medicare does make separate payment for 36415, P9612 and P9615. Does this apply to the OPPS or the CLFS?

Are any of the specimen-collection codes paid separately by Medicare?

What lab tests are included in the new exception policy for reporting the date of service?

In last week’s answer, you suggested looking at the list of tests granted waived status under CLIA to find which of the POC manufacturers and instruments or devices have been assigned CPT® 82962 or 82947. Can you tell me where this list can be found?