January Update of CLIA-Waived Tests, Billing Codes

The Jan. 1, 2013, update to the list of tests waived under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) includes 36 more devices, the latest approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this category (see table). New waived tests are approved on a flow basis and are valid as soon as approved. When billing for the tests below, you must use the QW modifier. This enables your local Medicare contractor to recognize the code as waived. Prior to payment approval, claims are checked for waived testing certification.

CPT CODE	EFFECTIVE DATE	DECRIPTION
86803QW	Nov. 29, 2011	OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test and OraQuick Visual Reference Panel
87809QW	April 24, 2012	AdenoPlus (human eye fluid)
81003QW	May 8, 2012	McKesson 120 Urine Analyzer
81003QW	May 11, 2012	Acon Laboratories, Inc. Foresight U120 Urine Analyzer
86294QW	May 15, 2012	LifeSign Status BTA
82055QW	May 25, 2012	Alere Toxicology Services, iScreen Saliva Alcohol Test Strip
82055QW	May 25, 2012	American Screening Corporation, Reveal Saliva Alcohol Test Strip
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Cassette
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Cassette Amp/Amphetamine
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Secobarbital Cassette
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Oxazepam Cassette
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Strip
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Strip Amp/Amphetamine
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Secobarbital Strip
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Oxazepam Strip
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (COC/Cocaine){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MET/Methamphetamine){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MDMA/ Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) {Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MOP/Morphine){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MTD/Methadone){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Morphine (2000){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (PCP/Phencyclidine){Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Notriptyline{Cup format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (COC/Cocaine){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MET/Methamphetamine){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MDMA/ Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) {Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MOP/Morphine){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (MTD/Methadone){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Morphine (2000){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test (PCP/Phencyclidine){Dip card format}
G0434QW	May 29, 2012	BTNX Inc Rapid Response X-Press Drug Test Notriptyline{Dip card format}
83036QW	May 30, 2012	Bayer AICNow+ Professional Use
87880QW	June 7, 2012	Mooremedical Strep A Rapid Test—Dipstick
G0434QW	July 13, 2012	Ultimate Analysis Cup UA Cups
86701QW	July 20, 2012	bioLytical INSTI HIV-1 Antibody Test {Fingerstick Whole Blood}
G0433QW	July 20, 2012	OraSure Technologies OraQuick In-Home HIV Test {Oral Fluid}

  The update, plus a complete list of CLIA waived devices, can be found in Change Request 8054, at www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/Downloads/R2553CP.pdf. Your carrier or Medicare Administrative Contractor is not required to search its files to either retract payment or retroactively pay claims; however, it should adjust claims you bring to its attention.