Gastrointestinal Pathogen (GIP) Panels Utilizing Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques (NAATs)

This LCD covers outpatient GIP multiplex NAAT panels for Medicare beneficiaries when results are likely to affect management: specifically, panels with ≤11 targets for acute diarrhea ≥7 days, persistent diarrhea 14–30 days, or acute diarrhea with severe signs/risk factors, and panels with ≥12 targets for immunocompromised patients with acute or persistent diarrhea. Testing is not covered for asymptomatic patients, as a test-of-cure, for repeat testing within seven days of the same episode, or more than one panel on the same date; laboratories must be CLIA-certified and records must document clinical indications and appropriate diarrheal stool specimens.

"GIP panels utilizing NAATs with 11 or fewer targets are covered for Medicare beneficiaries with acute diarrhea lasting at least 7 days."

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