Reporting of Hematocrit and/or Hemoglobin Levels

80.8 - Reporting of Hematocrit and/or Hemoglobin Levels (Rev. 3721, Issued: 02-24-17, Effective: 05-25-17, Implementation: 05-25-17) Effective January 1, 2008, the following claims must report the most recent hematocrit or hemoglobin reading: 1. All claims billing for the administration of an ESA (HCPCS J0881, J0882, J0885, J0886 and Q4081). 2. All claims for the administration of a Part B anti-anemia drug (other than ESAs) used in the treatment of cancer that are not self-administered. For institutional claims the hemoglobin reading is reported with a value code 48 and a hematocrit reading is reported with the value code 49. Claims not reporting a value code 48 or 49 will be returned to the provider. For professional paper claims, test results are reported in item 19 of the Form CMS-1500 claim form. For electronic claims (ASC X12 837 professional claim format), providers report the hemoglobin or hematocrit readings in Loop 2400 MEA segment. The specifics are MEA01=TR (for test results), MEA02=R1 (for hemoglobin) or R2 (for hematocrit), and MEA03=the test results. Effective for dates of service on and after January 1, 2008, contractors will return paper and electronic professional claims when the most recent hemoglobin or hematocrit test results are not reported. The contractor shall use the following remittance advice messages and associated codes when rejecting/denying claims under this policy. This CARC/RARC combination is compliant with CAQH CORE Business Scenario Two. Group Code: CO CARC: 16 RARC: N764 MSN: N/A