by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Apr 15th, 2020
We have had a lot of questions on reimbursement for COVID testing, here is the most recent information we have from CMS, releasing their payment information in a newsletter just today.
CMS states, "Medicare will pay laboratories for the tests at $100 effective April 14, 2020, through the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency."
In addition, Medicare will pay for new specimen collection fees for COVID-19 testing for home-bound and non-hospital patients for patients that are not able to travel.
The initial pricing for the new codes U0001 and U0002 for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) test will be about $36 and non-CDC tests will be initially priced around $51, respectively. These prices may vary slightly depending on the local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). View the full price by MAC list at: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/maccovid-19-test-pricing.pdf
For more information on this payment announcement, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/files/
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.
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