TAG:
coding and billing
Palmetto GBA Issues Guidance On Billing NGS Test Panels
CEO SUMMARY: Across the lab industry, next generation sequencing is taking hold as an effective and efficient testing platform. In response, payers are developing coding and payment policies that may affect the finances of clinical labs. Last month, Palmetto GBA, a Medicare contractor, is…
Payers Using Two Approaches To Price Molecular and Genetic Tests
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This analysis, unique to THE DARK REPORT, contrasts the decision of Palmetto GBA to distinguish between “hotspot” tumor panels (meaning those targeting 5 to 50 genes and 51 or more genes) versus “sequencing” tumor panels in coding and pricing NGS test panels, wi…
At Mid-Year, Labs Struggle to Get Paid for Many Tests
CEO SUMMARY: At a recent coding and billing conference, pathology and lab clients of one of the nation’s largest revenue management companies agreed that three trends have caused lower revenues since the start of 2014. One trend seen by labs involves higher deductibles and copayments fr…
Changed Medicare Policy Adds to Regulatory Risk
CEO SUMMARY: When Medicare’s National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) manual took effect on January 1, 2012, it contained a significant change in how prostate biopsy claims are to be coded. This change was widely overlooked by the pathology profession and even dismissed entirely for it…
More Reimbursement Threats for Lab Testing
WE ARE NOW WELL INTO THE FIRST MONTH OF 2011 and already there are plenty of signs that reimbursement for both clinical laboratory testing and anatomic pathology testing will come under siege from a variety of sources this year. Take, for example, the rather rapid action by the Centers for M…
Pre-authorization Coming For Pricey Molecular Tests
CEO SUMMARY: In response to the steep ramp-up in the utilization of genetic and molecular testing, the nation’s largest health insurers are preparing to institute new guidelines for coverage and reimbursement. These will include pre-authorization by physicians, a more effective genetic …
Numerous Issues Identified With Bid Demo’s 303 Tests
CEO SUMMARY: One experienced expert in billing and coding was surprised at the list of 303 tests to be included in the Medicare Laboratory Competitive Bidding Demonstration Project. He notes that the list of 303 tests includes a number of codes and descriptions that are not consistent wit…
Pumping Up Performance of Lab Billing & Collections
CEO SUMMARY: Coding, billing, collections, and compliance continue to grow in complexity, making management of the lab’s revenue cycle ever more difficult. One by one, a number of the nation’s largest laboratories are taking steps to automate management of their revenue cycle by utili…
Baltimore Hospital Lab Problems Put Spotlight On CAP Inspections
CEO SUMMARY: Here’s an exclusive peek into a three-year battle between medical technologists wanting to do the right thing and a laboratory manager—backed by hospital administration—who aggressively stifled well-justified dissent. It is an inside look at one of the most grievous fai…
Medicare “Bill Back” Policies Vary By Lab
CEO SUMMARY: When it comes to the subject of Medicare medical necessity, the classic “compliance conundrum” is again at work. Laboratories with conservative, strict compliance policies believe they are at a disadvantage at retaining physician-clients and winning new accounts when comp…
CURRENT ISSUE
Volume XXXI, No. 5 – April 8, 2024
The fragmentation of consumer markets is reflected in clinical lab services, and The Dark Report examines this trend and how it will impact labs in the coming years. Also, The Dark Report notes that the FDA has issued a controversial memo to reclassify many high-risk IVD assays.
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