Under a new law effective Oct. 1, 2008, the state of Maryland will require direct billing for anatomic pathology services, with limited exceptions. Generally, a clinical laboratory or physician practice that performed the service must bill the patient or responsible insurer or third-party payer for it directly. The lab or practice may bill for the service only if it performed or directly supervised the service and satisfied other stated requirements.

The new law applies to any anatomic pathology service provided to a Maryland patient, even if the service is provided by a lab, physician or group practice located in another state.

Maryland is the 14th state to enact a direct billing statute applicable to anatomic pathology. In Missouri meanwhile, the state Senate approved direct billing legislation on April 24. The measure now goes to the House. For additional pathology news, see the May 12 issue of the National Intelligence Report.