Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

MAAA brings new 'algorithm' category.

Even more than in 2012, you need to get ready for lots of changes to the pathology and laboratory CPT® section in 2013.

CMS invited payment recommendations for nearly 40 new codes at the annual Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) public meeting held July 16, according to conference coordinator Glenn McGuirk.

Look Ahead With This Summary Table

We've prepared a preliminary peek at what to expect for next year based on information from the CMS public meeting and AMA editorial panel comments:

Preview MAAAs: CPT® 2013 introduces this new category of codes to describe procedures that involve analyzing multiple test results using an algorithm to provide prognostic or diagnostic information.

These tests were developed "to answer particular clinical questions ... where a single analyte, or even combinations of analytes just read in series," would not provide complete information to the physician, according to Paul Radensky, M.D., representing McDermott Will & Emery at the CMS public meeting.

Resources: You can read more about the new codes at the following sites:

• CLFS www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/ClinicalLabFeeSched/Laboratory_Public_Meetings.html
• AMA Editorial Panel Actions www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/solutions-managing-your-practice/coding-billing-insurance/cpt/cpt-summary-panel-actions.page
• AMA MAAA codes www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/solutions-managing-your-practice/coding-billing-insurance/cpt/about-cpt/maaa-codes.page

Stay tuned to Pathology/Lab Coding Alert for more specific information about the new codes, pricing information, and how the changes will impact your lab.