Medicare Coding and Reimbursement for Clinical Laboratory Services (Clinical Chemistry Forum‪)‬

Medicare Payment for Clinical Laboratory Services Medicare consists of two parts: Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospitalization costs, once the annual deductible has been met, for almost everyone age 65 and older plus the permanently disabled and those with chronic renal disease. Coverage under Part A is automatic. Payment for inpatient care in most hospitals is based on a fixed fee determined for each diagnosis (diagnosis-related groups, DRGs). [1] DRGs are not applied to physician services. Laboratory tests performed for Medicare inpatients are considered a part of the DRG payment. Medicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient clinical laboratory, and x-ray tests for eligible persons along with other medical services and supplies not covered under Part A. Part B is voluntary; however, most who are eligible sign up. There is an annual deductible and a 20% co-payment for all Part B services except outpatient clinical laboratory services.