Compliance Question of the Week – Laboratory

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?

Can the following CPT® code for glucose point of care (POC) be used for a hospital patient?

82962 Glucose, blood by glucose monitoring device(s) cleared by the FDA specifically for home use

What is the difference between CPT® 87070 and 87071? How do you determine which one to use?

My question relates to the Medicare 70/30 rule for referral testing. In the definitions and examples provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the terms “related” and “non-related” laboratories are used. Is a joint venture partner’s laboratory a related or non-related laboratory?

Why does the 2018 NCCI Policy Manual state that we can only charge for one venipuncture (36415) per patient encounter, but the MUE limit for 36415 is set at 2 per date-of-service?

Does Medicare allow labs to bill for a molecular pathology interpretation done by a PhD or geneticist?