HCPCS Correction for CHCT

Effective January 01, 2006, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) number does not have to be included on claims submitted for HCPCS code 89049 [Caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, including interpretation and report]. CR5113 provides that HCPCS code 89049 is not considered a test under CLIA. Therefore, performing this test does not necessitate that a facility have any CLIA certificate, nor require a CLIA number on claims for its use.