Providers are reminded that when billing with CPT-4 code 99000 (handling and/or conveyance of specimen for transfer from the physician’s office to a laboratory), a statement indicating that the “blood specimen was sent to an unaffiliated laboratory” must be included in theReserved for Local Use field (Box19) on each claim. Separate reimbursement for collection and handling is not justified when the blood test billed for the same date of service was also run and interpreted by the same provider.

Providers should refer to the Pathology: Hematology and Coagulation section in the Part 2 provider manual for more information.