ePolicy News—November 2025

In this issue:  

• STOP LAB CUTS 

• ASCP Supports Choice and Access in Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations 

• ASCP, ASCP BOC, and MPHLWC Seek Relief from $100,000 H-1B Fee 

• CMS’s PFS Final Rule Cuts Medicare Rates for Pathologists 

• ASCP Supports Comprehensive Care for Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease  

• ASHI Tech Affairs Happy Hour: Sharing ASCP Workforce Insights 

STOP LAB CUTS 

ASCP is urging members and colleagues to support the RESULTS Act (S. 2761 / H.R. 5269), which aims to reform Medicare’s laboratory payment system and prevent further reimbursement cuts. The RESULTS Act would use insurer claims data to establish fairer payment rates, suspend upcoming cuts, and help stabilize laboratory funding. ASCP encourages members to contact Congress and their organizations’ government relations teams to advocate for this critical legislation. Read more.  

ASCP Supports Choice and Access in Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations 

ASCP submitted comments to the HRSA expressing concern over the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative’s draft cervical cancer screening recommendations, which prioritize primary HPV testing. The organization noted that this approach overlooks practical laboratory limitations and lacks strong scientific evidence compared to the balanced USPSTF guidelines. ASCP emphasized that recommendations should remain evidence-based, reflect laboratory realities, and uphold the highest standards of patient care. Read more.  

ASCP, ASCP BOC, and MPHLWC Seek Relief from $100,000 H-1B Fee 

ASCP, ASCP BOC, and 21 other organizations urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to grant a National Interest Exception to the $100,000 H-1B fee for pathologists and laboratory professionals. They emphasized that the U.S. faces a shortage of trained professionals in these fields and that H-1B visas are crucial to filling positions, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Read more.  

CMS’s PFS Final Rule Cuts Medicare Rates for Pathologists 

CMS released its CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, adopting several controversial policies opposed by ASCP and other medical societies. The final rule includes an efficiency adjustment and a site of service differential, both criticized by ASCP for unfairly targeting pathology services and lacking supporting evidence. CMS, however, maintained the MIPS performance threshold at 75 points and adopted a new pathologist MIPS Value Pathway, which ASCP hopes will be refined to better reflect the field. Read more.