Pathology/Lab Coding Alert
Remember CLIA Status Modifier
Question: We're a CLIA-waived lab performing the NMP22 test by Alere. How should we report the test?
Tennessee Subscriber
Answer: The new CPT® 2012 code for nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) is 86386 (Nuclear Matrix Protein 22 [NMP22], qualitative), but that's not the entire answer to your question.
Because you're a lab operating with waived status under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), you can only perform and report tests that are granted waived status. When you report a waived test, you need to append modifier QW (CLIA waived test).
You'll find that the latest quarterly CLIA-waived test list includes 86386-QW, along with the 12 other tests.
According to Transmittal 2408 dated Feb. 3, CMS will now consider the following tests CLIA-waived, among others:
To read the complete CMS transmittal on the new CLIA-waived tests, visit the CMS Web site at www.cms.gov/transmittals/downloads/R2408CP.pdf
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