Laboratory Question for the Week of July 24, 2017

Question:

In last week’s answer, you said that HCPCS code G0452 (molecular pathology procedure; physician interpretation and report) should be reported for medically reasonable and necessary interpretations of molecular pathology procedures by physicians. Can you provide guidelines for when it is appropriate to report?

Answer:

According to the NCCI Manual for Medicare Services, G0452 may be reported if:

• The attending physician (but not a laboratory scientist) requests the interpretation
• The interpretation results in a written narrative report
• The interpretation requires the exercise of medical judgment.