How are providers supposed to bill with the new low osmolar contrast codes?
Previously, there were local coverage decisions on low osmolar contrast for Tennessee and North Carolina but these have since been retired (see attached). http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/partb/lmrp_lcd/tn/archive/96-03-04.html http://www.cignagovernmentservices.com/partb/lmrp_lcd/nc/archive/92-02.html CIGNA Government Services published an article 041505 reflecting the change in the codes as directed by CMS. Attached is that article we published in addition to the CMS Medlearn Matters article explaining the change: http://www.cignamedicare.com/articles/April05/cope2347.html http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedlearnMattersArticles/downloads/MM3748.pdf These articles direct: Effective with April 1, 2005 (date of service): • HCPCS codes Q9945 – Q9951 will replace codes A4644 – A4646; except that • Hospital outpatient departments shall continue to bill codes A4644 – A4646 (Change Request 3748: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/pm_trans/R502CP.pdf). As there are specific codes with corresponding
