Drug Screening Qualitative-Updated policy

The Drug Screening policy was revised to clarify the use of modifiers 59 and 91. The revised policy will be effective May 1, 2014. Independent laboratories and outpatient hospitals may be reimbursed for multiple procedures for code 80101 (Drug screen, qualitative; multiple drug classes other than chromatographic method, each procedure ) on the same date of service by appending modifiers -59 (distinct procedural service) or -91 (repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test).

• The submission of modifier -59 or -91 appended to a procedure code indicates that documentation is available in the patient’s records for review upon request that will support the need for repeat, or the distinct or independent identifiable nature of the service submitted with the modifier.
• The submission of modifier -59 indicates that multiple drug test kits were used.
• The submission of modifier -91 indicates repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test performed on the same day.

Modifiers -59 and -91 are not eligible on codes G0431 and G0434.