Question

and quantitative tests on a wide variety of specimens. Multiple Choice Instructions: Circle the letter of the best answer to each question based on the information you learned in this chapter. 1. When should modifier -90 be reported? A. A lab test is performed in the office B. A specimen is sent to an outside lab C. A physician office bills for a test sent to an outside lab D. A specimen is collected by a lab

Answer 1

1. Modifier-90 is used for reporting a reference laboratory. This is used when certain lab procedures are done outside the reporting physician’s office by another healthcare professional.

If the lab test is performed in the physician’s office itself and bills for the services, modifier-90 need not be reported.

Hence, option A is incorrect.

The specimen can be sent to an outside laboratory with the client’s knowledge. Modifier-90 need not be reported in this case.

Hence, option B is incorrect.

When the specimen is collected by an outside lab on the reporting physician’s advice, modifier-90 need not be reported.

Hence, option D is not correct.

When the reporting physician’s office bills for a test that is sent to an outside lab, it should be enquired and modifier-90 can be reported.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

2. Certificate of waiver (COW) is issued under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), which has allotted quality standard settings for testing procedures performed in laboratories in order to ensure timely, accurate, and steadfast test results.

COW allows labs to perform waived tests which are simple and accurate. Such tests are generally at less risk of errors when performed appropriately. Some of such tests include pregnancy tests, certain urine tests, etc.

Only simple tests which are at low risk of errors are eligible for COW. Hence, labs performing moderate- and high complexity tests are not eligible.

Hence, option A is not correct.

Laboratories performing only microscopy is also not eligible as there can be risks of errors associated with it and may not be completely accurate.

Hence, option C is not correct.

All reference labs are not eligible for COW because it must only perform waived tests.

Hence, option D is incorrect.

COW is eligible for only those labs that perform tests which are simple, precise, and truthful with little or no risks of errors associated with it. Those tests which are CLIA waived can be performed by a laboratory with COW.

Hence, labs that perform CLIA-waived tests only are eligible for COW.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

Answer 2

1.     C

2.     B

3.     A

4.     A

5.     A

6.     B

7.     D

8.     D

9.     A

10.  D