CMS defers to contractors to define diagnostic test date of service

Why This Topic Matters

The reported date of service can affect whether a diagnostic interpretation claim processes correctly and may influence denial, audit, or documentation review outcomes. Providers need to know whether to follow national guidance or local contractor instructions when billing these services.

Article Sections

1. National CMS guidance and contractor direction

   Summarizes the status of CMS policy review and the instruction to look to local Medicare contractors for guidance. It also notes the involvement of professional organizations in the discussion.

2. Why the date of service matters

   Explains the operational importance of the reported date in claim processing and review activity. It focuses on general billing and compliance implications for diagnostic services.

3. Contractor examples and reporting approaches

   Provides examples of how selected Medicare contractors were addressing documentation and reporting for separately performed technical and professional components. The section also points readers to related Medicare manual material.

4. Related lab policy distinction and official resources

   Clarifies that a separate Medicare date-of-service policy for clinical laboratory tests should not be applied to imaging or other diagnostic services. It ends with references to official resources and contractor websites.