decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2020 Issue 5 (May)
Stick with 99211, not lab codes, if your practice collects COVID-19 specimens
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Article Overview
This piece covers pandemic-era coding guidance for COVID-19 specimen collection encounters, including when a low-level office visit code is used versus when specific HCPCS reporting applies. It is aimed at coding professionals, billers, and clinical practices trying to align documentation and reporting with CMS interim final rule guidance and AMA commentary. The article also notes the setting and staff considerations that affect how these encounters are reported.
Why This Topic Matters
COVID-19 collection workflows created overlapping reporting options, so practices needed clear guidance to avoid incorrect claim submission and inconsistent billing. Understanding the article helps staff apply the appropriate reporting approach based on who performs the service, where it occurs, and the documentation expected under CMS guidance.
What You Will Learn
- How COVID-19 specimen collection encounters are discussed in billing guidance
- Which organizations and webinar guidance are referenced
- How setting, staff type, and documentation are described at a high level
- What types of official rulemaking are cited in connection with the guidance
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Practice managers
- Revenue cycle staff
- Physicians and non-physician practitioners
Codes Discussed
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