Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Choose CLIA Category Correctly With These Resources
Question: How can I find out the categorization of a lab test under CLIA? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: You can access the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) database at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCLIA/search.cfm to search for any current, commercial test categorized under CLIA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updates the list monthly. The FDA categorizes tests as waived tests, moderate complexity tests, and high complexity tests. The categories are based on a combined score based on the knowledge, training, and level of interpretation required by those who perform the test, as well as the complexity of managing the materials, operational steps, test systems, and equipment. Labs must be certified to perform tests of a certain category. Labs that have waived status may perform only waived tests, which are the simplest to perform and have the lowest risk of erroneous results and lower risk of serious health impacts if performed incorrectly. CLIA-waived labs should report most test codes with modifier QW (CLIA waived test).
Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
- CPT® Coding:
Know How to Use the Pathology Consultation Codes
Here’s how to get time on your side. In 2021, the Centers for Medicare & [...] - Compliance:
Follow These 3 Best Practices to Create Compliant Documentation
Don’t forget to add the date when you create a documentation addendum. Every coding professional [...] - HIPAA:
Learn These 3 Truths and 3 Myths about PHI
Hint: De-identifying records may allow you to scrub PHI from them. From patient names to [...] - You Be the Coder:
Lookout for ‘Sentinel’ Lymph Nodes
Question: As part of a partial mastectomy case, the surgeon submits a separate container with a [...] - Reader Questions:
Round Up H. Pylori Coding Options
Question: When our lab performs a test to detect H. pylori infection, how can I determine [...] - Reader Questions:
Focus Breast Cancer Dx Coding
Question: The pathologist diagnosed inflammatory breast cancer. Should we report this using diagnosis code N61 instead [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose CLIA Category Correctly With These Resources
Question: How can I find out the categorization of a lab test under CLIA? Minnesota Subscriber [...]
