July quarterly CLFS update adds HCPCS codes for laboratory testing

CMS released several new HCPCS codes for laboratory testing services, effective July 1, as part of its quarterly update to the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS).

The new HCPCS codes describe diagnostic laboratory testing for genetic abnormalities that put patients at risk for developing various illnesses. A few new codes include:

• 0173U, psychiatry (i.e., depression, anxiety), genomic analysis panel, includes variant analysis of 14 genes
• 0176U, Cytolethal distending toxin B and vinculin IgG antibodies by immunoassay
• 0181U, red cell antigen genotyping, gene analysis, aquaporin 1, exon 1

A full listing of the new codes, including each code’s laboratory, long, and short descriptors, can be found in CMS Transmittal 10174 and MLN Matters MM11815.

According to CMS, the new codes do not need to be manually added to the HCPCS files by the Medicare Administrative Contractors. The codes will, however, be contractor-priced until they are addressed at the annual Clinical Laboratory Public Meeting, which will take place in June or July.