MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
COVID-19: Testing and Specimen Collection
Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet)·MO·Provider Notice
Effective date
May 12, 2023
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Starting May 12, 2023, MO HealthNet will require a referring physician for all COVID-19 testing claims submitted by independent laboratories, ending the COVID-19 public health emergency exemption that was in place since March 1, 2020. Independent labs can no longer submit COVID-19 testing claims without a referring physician.
Action Required
By May 12, 2023: Independent laboratories must ensure all COVID-19 testing claims include a referring physician. Billing team must update claim submission procedures to require referring physician information for all COVID-19 tests. Claims submitted without referring physician will be denied by MO HealthNet.