Q:
Who can bill for the Medicare specimen collection fee for COVID-19 testing ?
A:
Independent laboratories can bill Medicare through their MAC for the specimen collection fee. The specimen collection fee applies if the specimen is collected by trained laboratory personnel from a homebound or non-hospital inpatient and the specimen is a type that would not require only the services of a messenger pick up service. However, the specimen collection fee is not available for tests where a patient collects his or her own specimen. (Source: CMS FAQ New: 4/9/20)
Blog by Amie Martin, OTR/L, CHC, RAC-CT, Proactive Medical Review
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