Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT)

Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT) Physician Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I order kits for the breath tests offered by Commonwealth Laboratories?
• Where will my patients take the test?
• How are the kits returned to Commonwealth Laboratories?
• What is the turnaround time for results?
• How is insurance billing handled?
• Can my office bill insurance for interpretation of test results?
• Do patients need a pre-authorization before taking the test?
• For which insurers is Commonwealth Laboratories a participating provider?
• What if the patient doesn?t have medical insurance?

How can I order kits for the breath tests offered by Commonwealth Laboratories?

The kits are provided at no cost to physicians and other health care providers. You may call our office at (781) 659-0704 or (800) 292-9019 or use our inquiry form.

Where will my patients take the test?

Most patients will take the test in their homes. However, if you have a patient who may have difficulty with the directions or the components, you may prefer to have him/her remain in the office for the duration of the test to receive assistance, as needed.

How are the kits returned to Commonwealth Laboratories?

Our kits have a pre-paid, pre-addressed label. The patient needs to fill out the information form included with the kit. It would be very helpful if a member of the physician?s staff could provide a demographic sheet as well, to be mailed back in the box with the samples. The patient will bring the sealed kit to the post office for mailing.

What is the turnaround time for breath test results?

When the kit arrives at our laboratory, it will be analyzed within two business days. Results will be faxed to your office, with a hard copy to follow in the mail within five business days.

How is insurance billing handled?

We will bill the medical insurance provider indicated on the patient's information/demographic sheet. Most medical insurance providers cover the cost of the breath test. However, the patient is responsible for any deductible charge or co-pay assigned by his/her insurance plan.

Can my office bill insurance for interpretation of breath test results?

Yes. Physicians billing insurance for the professional component of the testing will use CPT code 91065-26.

Do patients need a pre-authorization before taking the test?

This depends on the patient?s health plan. Even within the same medical health insurance company, some plans require pre-authorization and others do not. It is best for the patient to contact the appropriate health insurance representative to inquire about pre-authorization. As this is a specialty test performed by very few laboratories, most insurers have no in-network laboratory that provides this testing. This may need to be an out-of network pre-authorization referral. If there is a pre-authorization number, please ask the patient to write it on the information form he/she will be sending to us with the breath samples.

For which insurers is Commonwealth Laboratories a participating provider?

We bill all major insurers. We are a participating provider with the following insurance companies:

• Medicare
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield
• United Healthcare
• Tricare
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Humana (Choice Care Network)
• Coventry Healthcare of Iowa
• Neighborhood Health Plan
• Medicaid (Massachusetts, South Carolina, Iowa, Illinois)*
  *applications to become a Medicaid provider in other states are in progress

***If you have questions about your patient's insurance coverage for this test with one of these companies or another company, please feel free to call us.***

What if the patient doesn?t have medical insurance?

If your patient has no medical insurance, ask him/her to call our office for information. We work with patients individually to determine a payment plan that will be appropriate.