How has “Current Procedural Terminology 2000” (CPT) changed organ- or disease-oriented laboratory panels?
“CPT 2000” has added new laboratory tests to existing laboratory panels and assigned these revised panels new code numbers. (In the past, CPT did not change panel numbers after adding or deleting codes.) CPT has also created a new renal function panel and deleted its thyroid panels. CPT maintains organ- or disease-oriented laboratory panels as a convenient way for physicians to order tests. Typically, a single diagnosis code is sufficient to justify the medical necessity of using such a panel. Tests ordered outside of a panel or tests ordered in addition to a panel, however, must be justified separately. To bill a panel code, you must perform all tests included on each panel. It is important to note that Medicare carriers will not process claims using the new CPT code numbers until April 1. Medicare will refrain from making any system changes during the first three months of the new year to make sure that its technology is prepared to address any technical problems caused by year 2000
