CMS Will Require Positive COVID-19 Test for Inpatient Medicare Reimbursement Add-On

On August 17, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published new guidance stating that effective September 1, 2020, hospitals will be required to document a positive COVID-19 laboratory test to receive a 20% increase in the MS-DRG weighting factor for their inpatients being treated for COVID-19. Positive tests must be demonstrated using only the results of viral testing consistent with CDC guidelines either performed during the hospital admission or not more than 14 days prior to the hospital admission (certain limited exceptions apply).