Laboratory Question for the Week of October 2, 2023

Question:

Can we bill 81015 with 81000 or 81002?

Answer:

Microscopic examination of a urine sample without macroscopic observation is documented with 81015. CMS considers billing for 81015 concurrently with 81002 or 81003 as unbundling, and billing for 81015 concurrently with 81000 or 81001 is considered double billing. This is a common occurrence at facilities with decentralized point-of-care testing.

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TAGS: Billing, Coding, Compliance, Laboratory

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