The information contained here may be very important to your practice. Please take a moment to review this document.
CIGNA BILLING CHANGE EFFECTIVE MAY 18, 2019
Cigna has issued a reimbursement Policy change, effective May 18, 2019. This change states that whoever performs the lab services must bill for the services. You will no longer be able to bill laboratory services under the Modifier 90 as you will not receive reimbursement for such test/test codes. If your office utilizes client billing, please contact your Account Executive to discuss the impact this may have on your office.
THYROID CASCADE – TSH WITH REFLEX EFFECTIVE APRIL 16, 2019
Please read pages 2 and 3 for the clinical use, background and changes that will be effective April 16, 2019.
HEPARIN-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA (HIT) ANTIBODY TESTING
Alverno Laboratories is pleased to announce that we will be switching instrument platforms for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody testing. Please see additional information on page 4.
Thyroid Cascade – TSH w/Reflex
April 16, 2019
Clinical Use
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels are used in part to assess thyroid function.
Clinical Background
Studies have shown that measurement of free T4 and total T3 along with a decreased TSH can help to determine the degree of hyperthyroidism. Alternatively, measurement of free T4 and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody with an elevated TSH can help to determine the degree of hypothyroidism. All cutoff values listed in the diagram below are based on adults 18 years or older.
Specimen Requirements:
Specimen: 3.0mL serum/plasma
Stability: 7 days refrigerated
Cause for Rejection: Insufficient quantity, severely hemolyzed
Method: EIA
Reference Range: 0.270 – 4.200uIU/mL (adult)
Availability: Testing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
CPT code: 84443*
SOFT code: THYRC
Information regarding SOFT order codes and CPT codes* can be found on our website at www.AlvernoLabs.com or by calling 800-937-5521. *CPT codes provided are for informational purposes only. Questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Antibody Assay Update
April 9, 2019
Alverno Laboratories is pleased to announce that we will be switching instrument platforms for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody testing. The new assay will reduce the number of false positive results and allow for a more rapid exclusion of a HIT diagnosis. Optimal patient testing includes the use of the 4T score (link included below) to increase pretest probability for HIT**. The new assay will be reported qualitatively with a positive or negative result and will include a reflex confirmatory functional Serotonin Release Assay (SRA). Please see ordering information below.
Specimen Requirements: Specimen: 2.0mL of Sodium Citrate plasma
Stability: Frozen up to 2 freeze/thaw cycles
Cause for Rejection: Clotted, insufficient quantity, severely hemolyzed
Method: Immunoturbidimetric
Reference Range: Negative
Availability: Batched three times daily
SOFT codes: HITRS – HIT AB. w/reflex to SRA
**4T score for probability of HIT – ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines. Diagnosis and Management of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) https://www.hematology.org/Clinicians/Guidelines-Quality/Quick-Ref/9258.aspx