Posted in BCBS Empire NY, Training, Updates

BCBS NY: reimbursement policy for Sexually transmitted infections testing.

In this blog post we will look at the new Reimbursement policy that BCBS NY is applying to billing (professional portion) for sexually transmitted infections testing.


Effective 12/01/2021 and thereafter when the provider orders multiple tests- 87491, 87591, and 87661 on the same day and by the same provider; BCBS of NY will consider these tests as part of a group panel grouping and WILL NOT Reimburse these codes separately.

These codes will be bundled together into a more comprehensive panel testing code: 87801.


Definition:

87801-Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), multiple organisms; amplified probe(s) technique.


Reimbursement of 87801:

BCBS of NY will only reimburse ONE (1) unit for code 87801- no matter how many units was billed on the claim.

The provider is required to bill the other STI CPT codes as rendered. Modifiers WILL NOT override this reimbursement policy.


Find this type of content useful? Subscribe and follow my blog for more reimbursement, medical billing and medical coding news and changes.


Past Blogs:

Posted in BCBS Empire NY, Training, Updates

BCBS NY Medicaid: New Policy-Pass-through and Outside Laboratory billing

This reimbursement policy applies to Empire BCBS Health Plus members. The new reimbursement policy will become effective for DOS on 10/01/2021 and thereafter.


Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus does not allow pass-through billing for lab services. Claims appended with Modifier 90 and an office place of service will be denied unless provider, state, federal or CMS contracts and/or requirements indicate otherwise.


Reimbursement:

Empire BCBS HealthPlus will reimburse 100% of the applicable fee schedule or contracted/negotiated rate to the diagnostic laboratory that is performing the test.


Coding: Modifier 90-definition

Modifier 90 is used when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The procedure may be identified by adding Modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.

To read the complete reimbursement policy, please click here.


Find this content helpful? Follow my blog for more FREE medical billing and medical coding training.

Coming soon- a member’s only content (subscription based). Dive in and explore various reimbursement policies.


Check out my latest posts below: