Labs, hospitals and other providers that perform or analyze COVID-19 lab tests are now required to report the results to HHS, with detailed information about the patient, HHS said June 4.^[1] But they don’t have to hold claims for any of the lab tests anymore because Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) have priced the antibody test codes, which means all COVID-19-related lab tests now have payments attached to them. CMS also requires a modifier on certain tests.^[2]

HHS’s new reporting requirement is pretty sweeping. “It’s a huge amount of data,” said Chris Anusbigian, a specialist senior manager with Deloitte & Touche in Detroit.

Mandatory COVID-19 reporting comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security (CARES) Act.^[3] “All laboratories—defined as laboratories, non-laboratory testing locations, and other facilities or locations offering point-of-care testing or in-home testing related to SARS-CoV-21—shall report data for all testing completed, for each individual tested, within 24 hours of results being known or determined, on a daily basis to the appropriate state or local public health department based on the individual’s residence,” HHS said in answers to frequently asked questions about the new mandate.^[4] Reporting should start as soon as possible, but no later than Aug. 1. Test results must be sent to HHS within 24 hours.