Wiki Billing only sample transportation

[Blackhorse]

We are an independent lab. Doctor's office will collect patient's blood samples, we'll transport them to a reference lab for testing. Can we bill anything such as testing using modifier 90? I thought only the place where collects the sample can do it.

 

[thomas7331]

We are an independent lab. Doctor's office will collect patient's blood samples, we'll transport them to a reference lab for testing. Can we bill anything such as testing using modifier 90? I thought only the place where collects the sample can do it.

I believe CPT 99000 is the code you would use to report specimen transportation charges. My guess is that many payers will not reimburse this, however. You can't bill for any testing or use modifier 90 unless your practice is purchasing the service from the lab.

Here's an article with more information:

https://www.aapc.com/blog/51814-99000-the-little-code-with-big-issues/

 

[Blackhorse]

I believe CPT 99000 is the code you would use to report specimen transportation charges. My guess is that many payers will not reimburse this, however. You can't bill for any testing or use modifier 90 unless your practice is purchasing the service from the lab.

Here's an article with more information:

https://www.aapc.com/blog/51814-99000-the-little-code-with-big-issues/

Thank you so much