CAP TODAY Pathology/Laboratory Medicine/Laboratory Management
- Lung cancer reporting (biopsy/cytology specimens). Pathology reports based on biopsy and/or cytology specimens with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer classified into specific histologic type or classified as NSCLC-NOS with an explanation included in the pathology report.
- Lung cancer reporting (resection specimens). Pathology reports based on resection specimens with a diagnosis of primary lung carcinoma that include the pT category, pN category, and, for NSCLC, histologic type.
- Melanoma reporting. Pathology reports for primary malignant cutaneous melanoma that include the pT category and a statement on thickness and ulceration and, for pT1, mitotic rate.
The CMS will release more information on how to report the new measures, and the CAP will review the details during a Dec. 2 webinar. Participation in the 2015 PQRS will affect the 2017 PQRS payment adjustment and the 2017 value-based modifier. No bonus will be associated with successful participation in the PQRS; however, high performers may see an increase in payment through the value-based modifier. The CAP has developed an online tool, which is being updated for 2015, to help pathologists determine eligibility for the programs. The tool is accessible on www.cap.org in the advocacy section.
LCD proposal. Several changes were proposed to the Medicare Local Coverage Determinations process for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, but the CAP and several other stakeholders, such as the AMA, opposed them. Proposed changes included expanding Medicare administrative contractor Palmetto’s MolDX program to all LCDs for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. New processes also would have shortened the public comment period from 45 to 30 days and limited the opportunities for stakeholders to suggest improvements to draft LCDs.
The CMS responded to concerns from the physician community by saying it would not move forward with the LCD proposal through this rulemaking. However, the CMS said it would explore the possibility of future notice and rulemaking on this issue.
“The comments received have given the agency much to consider prior to moving forward with any changes to the LCD process; therefore we will not finalize any changes to the LCD process in this final rule,” the CMS said.
[hr]
Charles Fiegl is CAP manager of advocacy communications, Washington, DC.