New coding guidance: Medicare drug screen codes — 2016

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding this update helps readers track Medicare’s revised drug screen reporting framework for 2016 and recognize which code sets are being replaced. It is relevant for maintaining current billing workflows, payer compliance, and laboratory charge capture.

Article Sections

1. Replacement of earlier Medicare drug screen codes

   Introduces the Medicare drug screen update and identifies the prior code framework being replaced. It also notes the effective date and points readers to related guidance.

2. Presumptive tests

   Summarizes the presumptive testing category and the general reporting structure for this group of codes. The section presents the Medicare payment context tied to these services.

3. Definitive tests

   Summarizes the definitive testing category and the general reporting structure for this group of codes. The section presents the Medicare payment context tied to these services.

4. Source

   Identifies the clinical laboratory fee schedule as the source for the update.