Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule – Medicare Travel Allowance Fees for Collection of Specimens

Calendar Year (CY) 2022 changes to travel allowances when you bill:

On a per mileage basis using HCPCS code P9603
Use the per mile travel allowance in situations where the average trip to the patients’ homes is longer than 20 miles round trip and is to be prorated in situations where specimens are drawn from non-Medicare patients in the same trip. CMS computes the allowance per mile by using the Federal mileage rate of $0.585 per mile plus an additional $0.45 per mile to cover the technician’s time and travel costs. MACs have the option of establishing a higher per mile rate in excess of the minimum $1.04 per mile (the actual total of $1.035 rounded up), if local conditions warrant it. CMS will review and update the minimum mileage rate throughout the year, as well as in conjunction with the CLFS, as needed. CMS doesn’t allow the laboratory to bill for more miles than are reasonable, or for miles that the laboratory technician doesn’t actually travel.

Per Flat-Rate Trip Basis Travel Allowance (P9604)
The per flat-rate trip basis travel allowance is $10.40. The IRS decides the standard mileage rate for businesses based on periodic studies of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. MACs will adjust previously paid travel allowance claims with dates of service on or after January 1, 2022, in order to apply the updated payment rate. Your MAC will start those adjustments within 60 days of the implementation of CR 12593.

CR Transmittal Number: R11184CP

Source: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mm12593-clinical-laboratory-fee-schedule-medicare-travel-allowance-fees-collection-specimens.pdf