decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2018 Issue 5 (May)
Billing: CMS reminds clinicians to stop reporting specimen validity for urine drug tests
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains a CMS reminder about billing for specimen validity testing when urine drug tests are performed. It is aimed at clinicians, laboratories, billing staff, and compliance teams that handle drug screening claims. The piece also discusses why these services draw payer scrutiny, how drug testing codes have evolved, and the broader fraud and refund risks associated with improper billing.
Why This Topic Matters
Correct handling of urine drug testing claims affects denial risk, compliance exposure, and potential refund obligations. The article helps practices understand why CMS is focusing on these claims and why payers may scrutinize them closely.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS is framing specimen validity testing in relation to urine drug testing claims
- Why drug testing billing has been a recurring compliance concern
- What broader payer and fraud-enforcement attention means for practices
- How code-set changes and utilization concerns have influenced this area
Who Should Read This
- Physician practices
- Clinical laboratories
- Billing staff
- Coding professionals
- Compliance officers
- Practice managers
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com