News: CMS issues COVID-19 FAQs to assist Medicare providers

CMS has issued frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) for healthcare providers regarding Medicare payment for laboratory tests and other services related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The document was published after CMS received a number of questions from providers regarding the recently released coding and billing guidelines for COVID-19.

According to a CMS e-newsletter, the FAQ includes:

• Guidance on how to bill and receive payment for testing patients at risk for COVID-19.
• Details of Medicare’s payment policies for laboratory and diagnostic services, drugs, ambulance services, and other medical services delivered by physicians and facilities accepting government resources.
• Information on billing for telehealth or in-home providers, making it easier for sick patients to stay home and lower the risk of spreading the infections.

The FAQ and other CMS actions are a continuing response to the COVID-19 virus and therefore will be updated as needed to address current concerns.

Editor’s note: Current CMS efforts in response to COVID-19 can be found here. Information on ICD-10 coronavirus supplement coding guidelines can be found here.