FDA clears new blood test to screen for Chagas disease
RVU changes in 2007 mean lower pathology PC payments, higher rates for flow cytometry, other pathology TC codes
Lab, pathology lobbies line up their priorities for the new Congress––see Focus
—Medicare physician fee fix
—Bonus payments & P4P programs
—Competitive bidding for Part B lab services
—Expanded ‘home brew’ controls
—Cytology proficiency testing
Feds offer states financial gains to beef up false claims actions
CMS yanks notice to contractors on ending the pathology TC ‘grandfather’ protection
Down syndrome screening advised for all expectant mothers
Washington Watch: On a personal note

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January 15, 2007 - Table of Contents

NIR January 15, 2007 (full PDF issue)

Medicare Fee Fix Tops Physicians’ Legislative Agenda

Claims Will Be Paid at Correct ’07 Rates, CMS Assures Doctors

FDA Okays New Blood Screening Test for Chagas Disease

Pathology RVU Changes = Lower PC Rates, Some TC Gains

Key Laboratory, Pathology Priorities for the New Congress

States Get Financial Incentive to Beef Up False Claim Laws

CMS Rescinds Notice Ending Pathology TC Protection

Down Syndrome Screening Urged for All Pregnancies

Washington Watch: On a Personal Note