Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Answer: According to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), an ABN doesnt have to be signed for all screening tests, because the beneficiary has been made aware that Medicare will not reimburse for screening examinations. Because certain tests have exceptions, such as Pap smears, the practice probably should have an ABN signed in those cases, with the reason given as to why the test would not be reimbursed (such as, Pap smear performed before the time limitation has been exhausted).

When a physician is sending specimens to the laboratory, the physician is responsible for obtaining the ABN. The physicians practice should have the patient sign two ABNs, one for the lab and one for his or her services (office visit). If the patient comes to the laboratory, then the lab must present the ABN for signature. Some laboratories have started to reject specimens, or hold
specimens until an ABN is on file.

Laurie Castillo, MA, CPC, president and curriculum instructor of the American Association of Professional Coders, Northern Virginia Chapter, and owner of Physician Coding & Compliance Consulting, a consulting firm in Manassas, Va., provided the You Be the Coder answer.