INTERPRETIVE OR POLICY STATEMENT
SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Subject: Change in billing procedures for automated and nonautomated lab tests.
Effective Date: October 1, 1999.
Document Description: The Medical Assistance Administration (MAA) has revised the methodology used in calculating clinical laboratory fees in accordance with Medicare's guidelines. MAA continues to use the Medicare laboratory fee schedule as a basis for fees. Effective October 1, 1999, all laboratory services performed for a client by the same provider on the same day must be billed as a single claim. MAA will deny additional claims for laboratory services billed for a client by the same provider on the same day. For laboratory services that exceed the lines allowed per claim, see the following page for instructions.
To receive a copy of the interpretive or policy statement, contact Ann Myers, Regulatory Improvement Coordinator, Department of Social and Health Services, Medical Assistance Administration, Division of Program Support, P.O. Box 45530, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 664-2314, TDD 1-800-848-5429, fax (360) 753-7315, e-mail MYERSEA@dshs.wa.gov.
August 26, 1999
Leslie Saeger
Regulatory Improvement Project Manager