Compliance Question of the Week – Laboratory

How many times per year does Medicare allow code 84443 (thyroid stimulating hormone) to be performed?

Can all laboratories use revenue center codes?

Is a screening code assigned when the reason for performing a test is because the inpatient has had contact with, or exposure to, a communicable disease?

When analyzing multiple genes (a panel) for simultaneous reporting, should a single code be used or multiple Tiers 1 and 2 codes?

How does CMS define a “group” test?

When does the new laboratory DOS policy take effect?

Does CMS provide a list of the conditions that it considers medically necessary for a urinalysis?

When it comes to urinalysis, should our order forms include with and/or without reflex?

Are 80061 and 83721 separately reportable?

Does Medicare consider it appropriate for organ and disease-oriented panel procedures to be repeated on a single date of service?

What code should be assigned when the combination of genes analyzed does not align with the description of an existing GSP (genomic sequencing procedure) code?

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?