Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) – Medicare Travel Allowance Fees for Collection of Specimens

The travel allowances are effective January 1, 2010: Per-Mile Travel Allowance (HCPCS Code P9603): $0.95 per mile The per mile travel allowance is to be used in situations where the average trip to the patients’ homes is longer than 20 miles round trip, and is to be prorated in situations where specimens are drawn from non-Medicare patients in the same trip. The allowance per mile was computed using the Federal mileage rate of $0.50 per mile plus an additional $0.45 per mile to cover the technician’s time and travel costs. Contractors have the option of establishing a higher per mile rate in excess of the minimum $0.95 per mile if local conditions warrant it. The minimum mileage rate will be reviewed and updated in conjunction with the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) as needed. At no time will the laboratory be allowed to bill for more miles than are reasonable or for miles that are not actually traveled by the laboratory technician. Per Flat-Rate Trip Basis Travel Allowance (HCPCS Code P9604): $9.50 per trip. The standard mileage rate for business used here is based on a study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. This study is conducted on an annual basis for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).