Resources about reimbursement for laboratories
 

As molecular tests become increasingly important for personalized medicine, so does reimbursement strategy for testing.

Test tubes in a clinical laboratory

Reimbursement for molecular tests

Learn about how Current Procedural Terminology (CPT™) codes are used, the role of Medicare administrative contractors (MACs), and the different strategies laboratories can employ to be reimbursed for their molecular tests. 

Download paper


Navigating the reimbursement landscape
 

The most effective way to navigate the reimbursement landscape is to know the basics of Medicare billing, coding, and pricing.

  • Medicare reimbursement for molecular tests is administered through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • The CMS works with regional Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) that serve as primary contacts for the Medicare Fee for Service Program and individual health care providers.
  • A MAC is a private health insurer that processes Medicare Part A and B claims, and it bases reimbursement for medical tests on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT™) codes.
  • CPT codes are defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) and specify the types of services health care providers perform, including molecular diagnostic tests.
  • Molecular diagnostic tests must have designated CPT codes before clinical laboratories can bill and receive payment for performing the tests.

Since reimbursement for molecular diagnostic tests is directly linked to their CPT codes, it is important for laboratories to understand the CPT coding process. A laboratory may also apply for a proprietary laboratory analysis (PLA) code if it wants its test to be categorized with a higher degree of specificity.

For more information about the organizations and terms above, please see the Additional Resources section.

Reimbursement for molecular diagnostic tests is directly linked to CPT codes


Educational resources
 

NEW  Exploring MolDx and Payer Guidelines for Molecular Testing ›

Learn about the process that labs under MolDx jurisdiction should follow to receive unique DEX code z-identifier that will help obtain the reimbursement for laboratory developed tests or “expanded” panels that test for more than five target.


Established guidelines and policies
 

The Molecular Diagnostic Services (MolDX) Program was instituted by Palmetto GBA in 2011 to establish reimbursement policies for molecular diagnostic tests. Palmetto GBA is one of the largest MACs, and it has provided uniform policies for four MACs across 28 states. As such, the MolDX Program must adhere to Medicare coding and billing guidelines.

More information about the MolDX Program and its coding and billing policies can be found at palmexttogba.com. Other MACs participating in the MolDx program are Noridian, WPS, and CGS.

Reviewing a claim form
Calculating a reimbursement strategy for molecular testing requires knowledge of guidelines and policies

The online DEX™ Diagnostics Exchange Registry assigns unique alphanumeric DEX Z-codes to molecular diagnostic tests. To determine coverage for a new LDT designed for molecular testing, a laboratory can request a DEX Z-code through Palmetto GBA. A technical assessment may be necessary for any LDT that involves next-generation sequencing, novel technology, or that has unproven clinical utility. Before submission of a technical assessment, a test must be registered online and assigned a DEX Z-code.

The American Medical Association (AMA) provides resources like the press center to help laboratories stay current with developments in the medical and health care industries. Commercial and private payors can create their own coverage policies, and they update them regularly. For more information, please visit individual web sites.

Some entities, like the AMA, provide resources to help labs stay current.


Additional resources
 

Link

Description

What you might find useful

CMS Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule

The CMS fee schedule for health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace

CPT codes laboratories use for reimbursement and the amounts laboratories are paid 

Find-a-Code

An online database of billing codes for diagnoses and procedures that are reimbursed by Medicare and private insurers 

ICD-10-CM codes, CPT codes, HCPCS codes, ICD-10-PCS codes 

American Medical Association CPT PLA Codes

Alphanumeric CPT codes with descriptors for laboratories and manufacturers who want to define their tests more specifically 

CPT PLA codes, CPT PLA code applications, the latest news about CPT PLA codes 

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Program

Certifies clinical laboratories that meet CLIA quality requirements

Note: All clinical laboratories must be CLIA-certified to receive Medicare or Medicaid payments, but the CLIA Program has no billing or payment responsibilities.

Information about the CLIA certification process, paying CLIA fees online

CodeMap™

Provides information for medical professionals to help them navigate the complex Medicare reimbursement process (continuously updated with the most current reimbursement information)

Laboratory publications and guides, webinars, compliance briefings, paid services

College of American Pathologists (CAP) Laboratory Accreditation Program

Provides information to hospitals about laboratory medicine, technology, and the regulatory landscape

CAP accreditation information, fee estimates, applications for accreditation, list of CAP-certified laboratories

IDSA Practice Guidelines

Developed by a panel of experts from the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) who systematically review available evidence and make recommendations to help practitioners and patients make appropriate healthcare decisions 

Current best practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases; updated guidelines for diagnostic molecular testing for infectious agents, including SARS-CoV-2

Style Sheet for Global Design System