What does infectious agent detection by nucleic acid mean?
Abstract. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequences specific for a pathogen of interest can be isolated from a variety of microorganisms. Such DNA probes can be exploited to detect infectious agents directly in infected patient material despite the presence of large numbers of other organisms and host DNA.
Does Aetna cover chlamydia testing?
Aetna considers C. trachomatis diagnostic testing medically necessary for members with signs or symptoms of C. trachomatis infection.
What is a clinical policy bulletin?
Using Clinical Policy Bulletins to determine medical coverage. Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins (CPBs) detail the services and procedures we consider medically necessary, cosmetic, or experimental and unproven. They help us decide what we will and will not cover.
What is a nucleic based test?
A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, is a type of viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs detect genetic material (nucleic acids). NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus.
Does Aetna cover pap smears?
Aetna considers Pap screening medically necessary beginning in adolescence in women diagnosed with cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer, with testing twice in the first year after diagnosis and annually thereafter.
How much is a STD test?
It costs anywhere from $0-250, depending on which STDs you’re getting tested for, and whether or not you have symptoms or need an exam. You can probably get STD testing for free or at a reduced price if you have health insurance. STD testing can also be free or low cost with Medicaid and other government programs.
Does Aetna follow CMS guidelines?
Aetna is complying with the CMS coding guidelines for COVID-19 lab testing.
Does Aetna cover consult codes 2021?
Aetna joined the long list of private payers that have cut coverage of office consults (99241-99245) today. The payer announced the change in December 2021: Starting March 1, 2022, we will no longer pay office consultation codes 99241, 99242, 99243, 99244 and 99245.
What is the ICD 10 code for Covid testing?
U07. 1 should only be used for confirmed cases of COVID-19 with positive or presumptive-positive test results.
What is QW modifier?
Modifier QW is defined as a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waived test. Some things to keep in mind when appending modifier QW to your lab service/s: The modifier is used to identify waived tests and must be submitted in the first modifier field.
What diseases are currently screened using nucleic acid tests?
The main TTIs include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Treponema pallidum (TP) [1,2,3]. Notably, HIV, HBV, and HCV are causative agents of AIDS, hepatitis B, and C infection, respectively.
How long does a nucleic acid test take?
Some NAATs are considered rapid tests that are performed at or near the place where the specimen is collected and can provide the result within minutes, whereas the time to complete laboratory-based NAATs ranges from less than an hour to more than a day.
How often does Aetna cover pap smear?
Aetna considers Pap smears medically necessary beginning in adolescence in sexually active women who have been exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Testing should begin after the onset of sexual activity, and should be done at 6-month intervals during the first year of testing and then annually thereafter.
Is a Pap smear considered preventive?
Health insurance typically covers preventive exams, screening tests and vaccines to help prevent or detect possible health concerns. Pap smear testing is part of a regular preventive visit for women.
Is Aetna considered Medicare?
The Aetna Supplemental Retiree Medical Plan is a fully insured, non-network-based commercial retiree group health product. In all states but Florida and Minnesota, it is offered as a supplementary medical plan, not a Medicare plan.
Is Medicare and Aetna Medicare the same?
Both terms refer to the same thing. Instead of Original Medicare from the federal government, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) offered by a private insurance company.
Does Aetna allow consult codes?
Medicare stopped allowing consultation codes on January 1, 2010. But United Healthcare has a new payment policy that allows payment for consultations. Other payers, including Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem, do cover consultations in most states.