Highmark medical policy is intended to serve only as a general reference resource regarding coverage for the services described. This policy does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to govern or otherwise influence medical decisions.
This policy provides information regarding the coverage of, as determined by applicable federal and/or state legislation.
This policy is designed to address medical necessity guidelines that are appropriate for the majority of individuals with a particular disease, illness or condition. Each person’s unique clinical circumstances warrant individual consideration, based upon review of applicable medical records.
The qualifications of the policy will meet the standards of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and all applicable state and federal regulations.
This medical policy outlines Highmark Health Options Duals services for Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques.
Highmark Health Options Duals (HHO Duals) – Highmark Health Options Duals is designed for people with both Medicare and Medicaid. Our D-SNP Medicare Advantage HMO coverage offers the same benefits as Original Medicare, plus extra benefits, like prescription drug coverage and vision and dental care.
Prior authorization is not required.
Please review the specific National Coverage Determination (NCD) Local Coverage Determination (LCD), and/or Local Coverage Article (LCA) information, as well as other CMS sources, using the links below.
Post-payment Audit Statement
The medical record must include documentation that reflects the medical necessity criteria and is subject to audit by HHO Duals at any time pursuant to the terms of your provider agreement.
Place of Service
Please refer to the NCD, LCD, LCA or CMS guidelines for the place of service for gastrointestinal pathogen panels
Coverage Determination and Links
HHO Duals follows the coverage deterimination made by CMS as outlined in either the NCD, LCD, and/or LCA.
CMS Link
NCD/LCD Links
· NCD: There is no CMS NCD related to this specific subject.
· LCD: Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs) (L38229)
Article Link
LCA: Billing and Coding: Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs) (A56642)
Reimbursement
Participating providers will be reimbursed per their HHO Duals contract.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs) (L38229). Original Effective date December 30, 2019. Revision Effective date October 26, 2023. Accessed on January 18, 2024.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Local Coverage Article (LCA) Billing and Coding: Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs) (A56642). Original Effective date December 30, 2019. Revision Effective date April 1, 2023. Accessed on January 18, 2024.
For questions related to this policy, contact the Highmark Government Market Policy Team at GovernmentPolicy@Highmark.com