How should indirect laboratory services be billed effective January 1, 2001?
For independent RHCs, laboratory services provided in the RHC’s laboratory are not included in the all-inclusive rate payment to the RHC and may be billed separately to the carrier. This includes the six basic laboratory tests required for certification as well as any other laboratory tests provided in the RHC laboratory. Note: If the RHC sends laboratory services to an outside laboratory, the outside laboratory bills the Part B carrier for the tests. If the RHC laboratory becomes certified as a clinical laboratory, it bills all laboratory tests performed in its laboratory to the laboratory’s Part B carrier. Laboratory tests are not included as RHC costs nor as part of the RHC all-inclusive rate payment. For provider based RHCs the rules in the preceding paragraph apply with the following exception. The provider bills tests provided in its laboratory to the FI. Reference: CMS Pub.
