Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) COVID-19 Test Pricing May 19, 2020

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the coding and Medicare payment framework that applied when new COVID-19 test codes were introduced, including which organizations issued the guidance and how local payment decisions were handled before national rates were set.

Article Sections

1. CMS announcements and new COVID-19 laboratory codes

   Introduces the early CMS announcements and the creation of new laboratory test codes for SARS-CoV-2 related services. It frames the article around Medicare billing and the timing of code availability.

2. MAC pricing and payment guidance

   Describes the role of Medicare Administrative Contractors in establishing interim payment amounts for newly created tests. It also addresses the general Medicare payment context for these services.

3. High-throughput technology tests and CMS ruling

   Covers additional guidance for certain later test categories tied to CMS ruling language and Medicare payment treatment. It distinguishes these tests from antibody-related testing and notes their separate handling.