Hi All,
Medicare in So CA has denied payment for the contrast used with an IVP (contrast code is Q9949). After many days, Medicare stated they stopped paying for the Q code 1/1/2006 - but nothing is posted on the website and no info is available regarding this policy. They said they do not have to post it pubicly - it was an internal audit.
Contrast is normally bundled into the 74415 code, but separate payment was allowed for the Q9949 contrast as it is used for payments who have underlying medical conditions and cannot tolerate the normal contrast.
Can Medicare do this without notifying or posting this? Also, can a contracted physician have the patient pay separately for the contrast if they sign an ABN?
Thanks so much,
Catherine
Medicare in So CA has denied payment for the contrast used with an IVP (contrast code is Q9949). After many days, Medicare stated they stopped paying for the Q code 1/1/2006 - but nothing is posted on the website and no info is available regarding this policy. They said they do not have to post it pubicly - it was an internal audit.
Contrast is normally bundled into the 74415 code, but separate payment was allowed for the Q9949 contrast as it is used for payments who have underlying medical conditions and cannot tolerate the normal contrast.
Can Medicare do this without notifying or posting this? Also, can a contracted physician have the patient pay separately for the contrast if they sign an ABN?
Thanks so much,
Catherine
