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Question: Regarding the hemocult dispenser pak (three-pack), is there a code we can use to charge a supply fee in addition to the actual test?
North Charlotte Medical Specialties
Charlotte, N.C.
Incident to supplies are covered under the overhead reimbursement component of the visit code in the office, according to Medicare policy. Included in these supplies are lidocaine injections used to perform minor procedures. (Lidocaine injected into a joint space may be covered separately.) Surgical trays for some procedures, casting supplies, and parenteral drugs administered in the physicians office are other exceptions to the supplies being covered by the overhead component.
An unspecified supply code of 99070 may be used to bill the hemocult dispenser pak. The CPT descriptor of code 99070 includes supplies and materials provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered. When using code 99070, you must list the description of the supply or service being billed.
Be prepared to submit documentation to support the billing of unspecified supplies. The amount of payment for supplies is calculated at the discretion of the individual payer.