Date

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, effective with dates of service on or after March 1, 2020, MO HealthNet did not require a referring physician for claims submitted by independent laboratories for COVID-19 testing. MO HealthNet required providers who performed other laboratory services on the same date as the COVID-19 test to bill for the COVID-19 test on a separate claim in order to be reimbursed.

The COVID-19 public health emergency will expire on May 11, 2023. Effective May 12, 2023, MO HealthNet will require a referring physician for claims submitted by independent laboratories for all COVID-19 testing.