The cut results from the formula used to calculate the fee update: the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) minus 0.5 percent.

The update also will reduce the minimum national payment for cervical and vaginal smears in 2010 to $15.13, from $15.42 in 2009.

The travel allowance to collect a specimen from either a nursing home or homebound patient remains the same as it was in 2009: P9603, $1.00 per mile; P9604 per flat rate trip basis, $10.00.

The CMS notice to contractors contains pricing for new codes on the lab fee schedule and updates for lab costs subject to reasonable charge payment.

In-depth coverage of the 2010 lab fee schedule to be featured in the Jan. 11 issue of G-2’s National Intelligence Report.