Question:
How does Medicare define a diagnostic service for hospital outpatients?
Answer:
As noted in §20.4.1 Diagnostic Services Defined (Rev. 82; Issued: 02-08-08; Effective: 01-01-08; Implementation: 03-10-08) A service is “diagnostic” if it is an examination or procedure to which the patient is subjected, or which is performed on materials derived from a hospital outpatient, to obtain information to aid in the assessment of a medical condition or the identification of a disease. Among these examinations and tests are diagnostic laboratory services such as hematology and chemistry, diagnostic x-rays, isotope studies, EKGs, pulmonary function studies, thyroid function tests, psychological tests, and other tests given to determine the nature and severity of an ailment or injury.
