Laboratory Tests Utilizing Automated Equipment

90.1 - Laboratory Tests Utilizing Automated Equipment (Rev. 4299; Issued: 05-03-19; Effective: 01-01-19; Implementation: 10-07-19) B3-5114, HO-437, A3-3628 Clinical laboratory tests are covered under Medicare if they are reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. Because of the numerous technological advances and innovations in the clinical laboratory field and the increased availability of automated testing equipment, no distinction is generally made in determining payment for individual tests because of either (1) the sites where the service is performed, or (2) the method of the testing process used, whether manual or automated. Whether the test is actually performed manually or with automated equipment, the services are considered similar and the payment is the same.