Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

See RFI response in MPFS final rule.

Having received stakeholder comments to a request for information (RFI) posted in the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, you’ll find a brief summary of those responses in the final rule published in the Federal Register on Nov.16.

“Commentors were in favor of updating the CLIA [Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amenedments] ’88 regulations in Histopathology, Cytology, and Clinical cytogenetics to reflect advancements in technology and current laboratory practices,” according to the final rule.

For instance: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is urging support for “personnel standards for individuals providing the complex histotechnology services required for the review of anatomic specimens,” according to a news release.

Similarly, Diana Cardona, MD, MBA, FCAP, representing the College of American Pathologists (CAP) at the Nov. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) meeting highlighted efforts to “modernize CLIA oversight of histology, Proficiency Testing (PT) in the total testing process, and regulations to support remote sign out.”

CMS states in the final rule that the agency will continue to “consider the input received as we continue to evaluate possible future changes to the CLIA regulations.”