Laboratory Question for the Week of May 27, 2019

Question:

What guidance does the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provide for tests on live tissue date of service (DOS)?

Answer:

When a test is performed on live tissue for chemotherapy sensitivity, the DOS must be the date the test or service was performed only if:

• The testing decision regarding the specific chemotherapy agent is made at least 14 days after discharge.
• The specimen was taken while the patient was experiencing a hospital surgical procedure.
• It is considered medically incorrect to collect the sample other than during the hospital procedure for which the patient was admitted.
• The results of the test or service do not advise the treatment provided during the hospital stay.
• The test or service was reasonable and considered medically necessary for treatment of an illness.

This question was answered in an edition of our Laboratory Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.