The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requests that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) work to accommodate CMS coverage of Hepatitis B screening for non-pregnant, high risk individuals with the appropriate U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared laboratory tests. The coverage is compliant with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations.

Full Transmittal: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/2017Downloads/R3831CP.pdf

Subject: Screening for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection

Number: 3831

Title: 9859

Release Date: June 29, 2017

Effective Date: September 8, 2016

Implementation Date: October 2, 2017

Special Notes: Transmittal 3804, dated June 29, 2017, is being rescinded and replaced by Transmittal 3831, dated, August 4, 2017 to provide clarification in Pub. 100-04 Business Requirement 9859.04.13 and to revise the note. The new note will read, “Payment for HBV is not separately payable for ESRD facilities (72X TOB) unless reported with Modifier AY.” The corresponding update tonote is being made in the Pub. 100-04 claims processing manual. All other information remains the same.