| HCPCS 2010 brings along two new codes for | | | | single class of drugs, regardless of testing method. |
| Medicare beneficiary drug screens alright, but do | | | | • Thirdly, you should allow Lab method to lead |
| you know how to use them? | | | | you. It’s the crucial distinction between 80100 |
| As soon as CMS rolled out the codes - G0431 and | | | | and G0430. But the hitch with 80100 is that it |
| G0430, the agency instituted some restrictions. | | | | describes only chromatographic testing for the |
| Here are three tips from the experts to help you | | | | presence of drugs, which leaves certain |
| round up all facts you need to pick the right code: | | | | laboratories unable to bill accurately when |
| • The first thing to remember is that payer | | | | performing a qualitative multiple drug class screen |
| determines code choice. If you’re reporting | | | | that doesn’t use chromatography. But |
| drug screen testing for non-Medicare payers, your | | | | solution’s at hand as CMS implements G0430 |
| code choices will remain the same as they have | | | | to remove limitation of method (chromatographic) |
| been for years. | | | | when the lab uses a non-chromatographic method |
| • Secondly, you shouldn’t ignore | | | | for a qualitative multiple drug class screen. |
| certification. Until April 1, labs should choose G0431 | | | | For more expert tips on pathology coding and |
| or 80101-QW based on whether the lab operates | | | | ways to wield the two new HCPCS codes for |
| under a Clinical Laboratory Improvement | | | | Medicare beneficiary drug screens, turn to a |
| Amendments (CLIA) certificate of waiver. This is | | | | pathology service coding handbook or better still |
| because CMS is delaying full G0431 implementation | | | | tune in to audio recordings of medical coding |
| until April 1. Till that time, the agency instructs labs | | | | conferences in CDs and MP3s for the real action! |
| to report qualitative drug screening tests for a | | | | |