Urine Test

What is the difference between 81002 and 81003 and why will an insurance company pay for 81002 and not 81003?

Jul 7th, 2011 -

re: Urine Test

2 is non-automated, 3 is automated. They won't pay because they make the rules. I think they feel that if you are "just" sticking a piece of paper in a cup and a machine does the work then there is no value to the service and that it is "included" in the payment for the E&M.

Jul 7th, 2011 - billinglady 9

re: Urine Test

Thanks for the answer. I think you are right about that.

Jan 29th, 2013 - cforsthoefel 10

re: Urine Test

Another Questions regarding the 81002 or 81003. Does a physician need to be present in the office for the clinical staff to run this test? We are only doing this if there is an order to support the test but my coder is questioning that we can not do this if the physician is not in the office. BTW, we are Clia certifide.