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 […]