Specimen Collection Fees

In the Final Rule, beginning January 1, 2023, CMS will pay $8.57 for all specimens collected in one qualifying patient encounter, with an increase to $10.57 per patient encounter for specimens collected from a Medicare beneficiary in an SNF or on behalf of an HHA.

When permitted, the travel allowance available depends on the distance traveled and the number of locations:

• Flat Rate: A flat rate travel allowance applies when the trained technician travels 20 eligible miles or less to and from one location for specimen collection from one or more Medicare beneficiaries. For CY 2023, the amount is $10.40 divided by the number of Medicare beneficiaries who received a qualifying specimen collection.
• Per-Mile: A per-mile travel allowance applies when a trained technician travels (1) more than 20 eligible miles to and from one location for specimen collection from one or more Medicare beneficiaries; or (2) to more than one location for specimen collection from more than one Medicare beneficiary. For CY 2023, the mileage rate is $1.04 per mile. As a result, the total travel allowance would be the eligible miles multiplied by $1.04, which is then divided by the number of Medicare beneficiaries who received a qualifying specimen collection.

Source: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/cy-2023-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-3693838