What information must be included in all bills for tests?

The requirement for including the CLIA number of the testing location in all bills for tests is important due to regulatory compliance. The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) set standards for laboratory testing and ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of test results. Including the CLIA number on bills serves as verification that the laboratory where the test was conducted is certified and meets the health and safety standards set forth by federal regulations. This information is critical for auditors and payers to validate the legitimacy of the testing facility and the results provided.

In contrast, while patient diagnosis, type of specimen collected, and date and time of the test are relevant clinical details, they are not universally required to be included on all billing statements for tests in the same way that the CLIA number is. Instead, these elements may serve different purposes in documentation and insurance claims but do not carry the same regulatory compliance implications as the CLIA number. Thus, the focus on the CLIA number underscores the importance of maintaining high standards in laboratory testing and ensuring patient safety and compliance with federal laws.