Previous Advocacy Updates

View the CAP's webinar, "The 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule's Impact on Pathology Services," and read more advocacy news in this week's issue.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized increases sought by the CAP for pathology services, including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, in the final 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule published on October 30.

As the CAP continues to engage with Congress on LDT oversight, the House released a second discussion draft of legislation to provide oversight on diagnostic testing.

Citing the IOM's Improving Diagnosis in Health Care, the CAP urged NY officials to repeal rules banning pathologist-patient discussions of lab tests.

A new study by health policy researchers strengthens the case to close the self-referral loophole that leads to overutilization of medical services.

An IOM study on diagnostic errors recommends greater integration into the health care team and additional payment mechanisms for pathologists.

The CAP urged a Medicare Administrative Contractor to withdraw its draft local coverage determination on special histochemical stains and immunohistochemical stains.

The CAP will strongly oppose the MAC First Coast Service Options proposal to adopt an LCD to limit coverage of special IHC stains.

Pathologists advocated for strengthening the modernized American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics during the 2015 AMA Annual Meeting.

The CAP opposes CGS Administrators, LLC’s proposal to adopt a local coverage determination on special IHC stains in Kentucky and Ohio.

The College advocates for reforms to Medicare’s Local Coverage Determination process in order to increase transparency and boost accountability

Pathologists will have new opportunities to earn incentives for participating in quality initiatives while never having to face another SGR cut again.

The Senate passed a SGR repeal bill that includes a CAP provision to ensure pathologists can more easily comply with Medicare quality initiatives.

The CAP called on the Senate to pass legislation that repeals the Medicare SGR and ensures pathologists can fully participate in a new pay system.

The CAP continues to engage with UnitedHealthcare and oppose the insurer’s Florida laboratory benefit management pilot program that uses BeaconLBS.

The CAP urged Noridian to rescind a draft LCD on special stains because its base evidence is unsubstantiated and it encroaches on medical judgment.

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) applauds the House for its passage of HR 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, the bipartisan, bicameral legislation which includes the CAP secured language that gives pathologists much needed flexibility in Medicare's quality initiatives.

The CAP and pathologists in Florida strongly oppose UnitedHealthcare’s Beacon pilot program and remain engaged with the insurer over several concerns.

Citing concerns that purported evidence lacks credibility, the CAP continues to vigorously oppose a Medicare LCD on special IHC stains.

Significant changes are needed to the Food and Drug Administration draft guidance on oversight of LDTs, the CAP said during testimony at an FDA forum.