Can we bill Diagnostic or Therapeutic Items and Services seperately or inclusive in ASC billing?

Diagnostic or Therapeutic Items and Services

Diagnostic or therapeutic items and services are items and services furnished by ASC staff in connection with covered surgical procedures. Many ASCs perform diagnostic tests prior to surgery that are generally included in the facility charges, such as urinalysis, blood hemoglobin, hematocrit levels, etc. To the extent that such simple tests are included in the ASC facility charges, they are considered facility services. However, under the Medicare program, diagnostic tests are not covered in laboratories independent of a physician’s office, rural health clinic or hospital unless the laboratories meet the regulatory requirements for the conditions for coverage of services of independent laboratories. (See 42 CFR 416.49 at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_06/42cfr416_06.html.) Therefore, diagnostic tests performed by the ASC other than those generally included in the facility’s charge are not covered under Part B and are not to be billed as diagnostic tests.