. Drug Testing Providers performing validity testing on urine specimens utilized for drug testing should not separately bill the validity testing. For example, if a laboratory performs a urinary pH, specific gravity, creatinine, nitrates, oxidants, or other tests to confirm that a urine specimen is not adulterated, this testing is not separately billed. The Internet-Only Manual, Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 16 (Laboratory Services), Section 10 (Background) indicates that a laboratory test is a covered benefit only if the test result is utilized for management of the beneficiary?s specific medical problem. Testing to confirm that a urine specimen is unadulterated is an internal control process that is not separately reportable.
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I would write a letter regarding the pending issues, so your practice can get a formal response from NCCI. You can state what the difference of opinion is about the above paragraph. The true intent of this paragraph can be confirmed.
http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/NationalCorrectCodInitEd/index.html
This web page provides information to providers on Medicare's NCCI edits but does not address specific NCCI edits. If the viewer has concerns about specific NCCI edits, he/she may submit comments in writing to:
National Correct Coding Initiative
Correct Coding Solutions LLC
P.O. Box 907
Carmel, IN 46082-0907
Attention: Niles R. Rosen, M.D., Medical Director and Linda S. Dietz, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, Coding Specialist
Fax #: 317-571-1745