ePolicy News February 2020

Find a list of the stories in the February 2020 edition of ePolicy News below.

ASCP’s Advocacy Yields Key Changes in NGS Coverage Policy
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has incorporated ASCP’s recommendations into its final National Coverage Decision to expand Next Generation Sequencing for breast and ovarian cancers. Read More

ASCP, NSH Urge Anthem to Reconsider Reimbursement Cuts
Leaders of ASCP and the National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) met in January with representatives of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to address concerns about reimbursement for pathology and laboratory services. These include concerns that a number of reimbursement rates recently adopted by Anthem are exceptionally low, thus undermining access to care. Read More

Virginia Legislature Working on Surprise Billing
Surprise billing is a significant concern to ASCP, and the Society has been working in partnership with the American Medical Association and other medical societies. ASCP is working with the Virginia Society of Pathology to advance state legislation to protect patients from unexpected bills, improve network adequacy and ensure fair reimbursement. Read More

ASCP Proud to Support ASCLS Legislative Symposium
The ASCLS Legislative Symposium will take place March 16-17 in Alexandria, Virginia. This is an opportunity for attendees to learn more about key public policy issues impacting the laboratory profession and meet with elected representatives in Congress to alert them to the concerns of laboratory professionals. Read More

ASCP, AMA Urge Changes to CMS 2020 MIPS Measure Removal/QCDR Policies
In a recent letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), ASCP joined the American Medical Association in voicing concerns about CMS’s 2020 policies for qualified clinical data registry testing requirements and criteria for removal/acceptance of quality measures in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System. Read More

Choosing Wisely Champions Deadline Extended
ASCP’s Choosing Wisely Champions program recognizes individual clinicians, as well as pathologists, laboratory professionals and clinical teams, for their commitment to reduce overuse and waste in health care. Submit your nomination by Feb. 21 to be considered as an ASCP 2020 Choosing Wisely Champion! Read More

ASCP Seeking Effective Test Utilization Recommendations
The ASCP Choosing Wisely Effective Test Utilization Steering Committee is developing its seventh list of evidence-based recommendations for laboratory tests that are commonly ordered, but not always appropriate in pathology and laboratory medicine. ASCP’s recommendations designed to support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary. Submit your recommendation by Feb. 28! Read More

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