Transparent billing that works for you and your patients.
Southwest Labs aims to deliver quality laboratory services at reasonable rates and with transparency to patients, insurance companies, and ordering providers. Our friendly internal and on-site billing team is dedicated to ensuring our services are billed appropriately and that patients have access to resources should they have questions or concerns.
Our Values
In-line with our commitment to providing reliable, ethical, and supportive laboratory services we also prioritize the following values for our billing practices.
Our Billing Policy
Southwest Labs will bill for all services performed as directed by the ordering medical provider. If these charges are denied by the insurance company, Southwest Labs will appeal, when indicated, and attempt to resolve the charges directly with the payer as our goal is to reduce patient costs. Only after the claim has completed the payment or denial process will Southwest Labs address patient responsibility portions, such as copays, deductibles, or remaining balances. Our billing team is available to discuss charges with patients and, in instances such as demonstrated financial hardship, may be able to create flexible payment plans in accordance with federal laws.
CMS Billing
Test Description Schedule
- Presumptive Drug Test(s), any number of drug classes by instrumented chemistry analyzers.
- Definitive Drug Test(s), including GC/MS and LC/MS, qualitative or quantitative, includes specimen validity testing, per day, 1-7 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed.
- Definitive Drug Test(s), including GC/MS and LC/MS, qualitative or quantitative, includes specimen validity testing, per day, 8-14 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed.
- Definitive Drug Test(s), including GC/MS and LC/MS, qualitative or quantitative, includes specimen validity testing, per day, 15-21 drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed.
- Definitive Drug Test(s), including GC/MS and LC/MS, qualitative or quantitative, includes specimen validity testing, per day, 22 or more drug class(es), including metabolite(s) if performed.
CMS HCPCS/CPT
- 80307
- G0480
- G0481
- G0482
- G0483
CMS HCPCS/CPT
- $62.14
- $114.43
- $156.59
- $198.74
- $246.92
The CPT codes included in this page are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our providers; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and Southwest Labs may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Providers who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payer to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
Got questions? Well, we got answers.
Still can’t find your answers here? Contact our billing team to get answers faster.
- (505) 609-5227
- 1 (855)875-9796 (fax)
- billingteam@southwestlab.com
- 4261 Balloon Park Rd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109
Insurance plans often have copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles that patients are responsible for. Additionally, if any services were provided by out-of-network providers, this can result in additional charges. You may also be billed because we need additional information. If you have any questions about the specific charges or need assistance with payment options, please let us know. We’re here to help you understand your bill and work with you on any payment plans if needed.
Medication monitoring involves analyzing a patient’s urine to ensure they are taking their prescribed medications correctly and not using any non-prescribed or illicit substances. This type of monitoring is particularly important for patients on long-term opioid
therapy or other controlled substances.
Key aspects of medication monitoring with urine drug testing include:
1. Compliance Verification: Ensures that patients are taking their medications as prescribed.
2. Detection of Non-Prescribed Substances: Identifies the use of any non-prescribed or illicit drugs that could interfere with
treatment or pose a risk to the patient.
3. Safety and Efficacy: Helps healthcare providers adjust dosages to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing the
risk of side effects or toxicity
Urine drug testing is a cost-effective, non-invasive method that provides a longer detection window for various substances
compared to other testing methods.
Yes. The Privacy Rule allows those doctors, nurses, hospitals, laboratory technicians, and other health care providers that are covered entities to use or disclose protected health information, such as X-rays, laboratory and pathology reports, diagnoses, and other medical information for treatment purposes without the patient’s authorization. This includes sharing the information to consult with other providers, including providers who are not covered entities, to treat a different patient, to refer the patient, for compliance, and for payment. See Code of Federal Regulations
1. Ensuring Patient Safety: Medication monitoring helps to ensure that patients are taking their medications correctly and
not experiencing harmful side effects or interactions. This is particularly crucial for medications with a narrow therapeutic
range.
2. Improving Treatment Outcomes: By regularly monitoring medication levels, providers can adjust dosages to achieve
optimal therapeutic outcomes. This helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively.
3. Preventing Medication Misuse: Monitoring helps to identify and prevent the misuse or abuse of prescription medications,
which is a significant public health concern.
4. Compliance with Regulations: Many healthcare regulations require providers to monitor the use of certain medications,
especially controlled substances. This helps in maintaining compliance with legal and professional standards.
5. Supporting Informed Decision-Making: Medication monitoring provides valuable data that can inform clinical decisions,
ensuring that treatments are tailored to the individual needs of patients.
6. Reducing Healthcare Costs: By preventing adverse drug events and improving medication adherence, monitoring can help
reduce overall healthcare costs.
Whether your insurance covers lab testing depends on several factors, including your specific insurance plan, the type of test, and whether the lab is in-network or out-of-network.
It is correct that patients are not seen directly at Southwest Labs. Your sample was collected at your provider’s office. As the servicing lab for your provider, they sent your sample to Southwest Labs for analysis.
No, As a courtesy to our patients, Southwest Labs does not send accounts to collections. We understand that financial difficulties can arise, and we are committed to working with patients to manage their outstanding balances. We offer flexible payment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
The bill is adjusted to the Medicare rate & patient is held responsible
A patient with Medicaid will never receive a bill from SWL unless there is an eligibility issue.
A patient with Medicaid will never receive a bill from SWL unless there is an eligibility issue.
2.5x Medicare rate
1.0x Medicare rate
Southwest Labs only holds physicians accountable if a client bill agreement is in place & the test is submitted as a client bill test
The CPT codes included in this page are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our providers; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and Southwest Labs may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Providers who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payer to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.