Full Focus: Lab Innovation Showcase - Exploring What's New and on the Horizon for 2024
Join us at 12:00 PM EST, Wednesday, Jan. 24, for a look at the future of laboratory testing and technology as part of our 2024 innovation showcase! Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with leading industry experts and pioneering labs shaping the future of healthcare. Covering everything from state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to breakthrough genetic testing, this event is a unique opportunity to preview the forefront of laboratory medicine.
Whether you're a seasoned laboratory professional, executive, potential investor, or simply curious about what's in store for medical labs, this webinar will give you a sneak peek at several innovations set to change laboratory medicine in the coming years.
Sign up now to secure your seat and continue to check out our speaker lineup as we add more profiles!
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1. Keys to Adding a Laboratory to Your GI Practice
Incorporating a laboratory into a gastroenterology practice is not just about expanding services; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly enhance your practice’s efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and financial health.
Careful consideration of the volume of specimens, understanding the insurance payer landscape, and preparing for the necessary infrastructure are essential steps in determining whether this move could be beneficial to your practice and patient population.
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2. New Updates to CLIA Personnel Regulations
Did you miss the updates to CLIA personnel regulations that were published in late December? Here's a quick rundown of two of the major announcements all lab professionals should be aware of:
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CMS changed its proposal to make nursing degrees equivalent to biological sciences degrees, closing a loophole that would have potentially allowed BSN holders to serve as lab directors. CMS said it will create a separate pathway and educational requirements for those with nursing degrees to become moderate complexity testing personnel.
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Those holding or pursuing a Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science (DCLS) also received great news as the agency clarified the degree will qualify for the role of a High Complexity Lab Director.
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3. Lighthouse to Join Lab Leaders in D.C. to Advocate for LDT Access
Lighthouse leadership will be joining the Coalition for Innovative Lab Testing on Jan. 19th, 2024, in Washington D.C. to meet with legislators and stakeholders in an effort to advocate for access to laboratory developed tests (LDTs).
The Coalition for Innovative Lab Testing is an alliance of small businesses, clinical labs, scientists, healthcare providers, and concerned citizens across the nation who oppose the burdensome overregulation of FDA pre-approval for laboratory developed tests (LDTs).
The coalition believes that existing federal and state CLIA regulations provide the proper foundation for ensuring accurate, reliable, and innovative laboratory tests.
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We recently launched the "Candidate Corner" as a way to spotlight some of the great lab professionals our recruiters work with each day. Check out a quick preview of one individual below, then click over to our blog to see all five candidates for January.
If you'd like to learn more about anyone listed in this section, or inquire about their ability to relocate, email us directly here!
Candidate - Toxicology Lab Manager
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Education: B.S. in Biology
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Experience/Expertise/Specialty: Toxicology, Technical Supervisor, Lab Manager
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Preferred Location: Anywhere
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1. CMS Audit Results Show High Error Rates for Drug Testing Claims
Last year, we notified drug testing providers CMS was reviewing definitive and presumptive drug screening claims for errors and missing documentation as part of its Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) program. Results for the WPS Region were published last week, showing more than 50% of the claims reviewed for CPTs 80307 and G0483 failed to include proper documentation or physician orders.
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2. UHC to Require Z-Codes Beginning April 1, 2024
This month, UnitedHealthcare announced it will move forward with its Molecular Pathology Policy, which was initially delayed last spring to allow providers additional time to register their tests via the Palmetto DEX Registry.
Beginning with dates of service on or after April 1, 2024, claims for molecular pathology services will be denied if z-code information is missing, invalid, or does not match the service represented by the CPT code on the claim. This will impact services such as infectious disease panels and PGx/CGx testing.
Fortunately, labs within the Palmetto, Noridian, WPS, and CGS regions, or billing to Medicare Advantage payers, are likely already engaged in the process of obtaining z-codes and Technical Assessments to comply with MolDX requirements. However, if you're not familiar with this process, don't hesitate to reach out to us for additional info and guidance!
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3. Free Webinar: Billing and Coding for Toxicology - Best Practices
In our latest webinar, Ann Lambrix, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management Solutions for Lighthouse Lab Services, details best practices for physicians when billing and coding for toxicology services in 2024. She also covers potential red flags insurance payers may monitor that could place a lab or drug testing provider under pre-payment review or under other scrutiny.
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Deep Dive: Expanding PCR Lab Services by Securing Nationwide Payer Contracts |
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Getting a lab credentialed with insurance providers is essential to a smooth and consistent flow of reimbursements. Labs that remain out-of-network with particular payers often struggle to receive payments from those networks and will likely see payers try to steer patients in their region to in-network providers.
In this case, our client's objective was to begin by obtaining national Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield contracts, hoping to secure a partner to advance credentialing expeditiously. Check out this case study to see how our Payer Strategy Team was able to help this lab achieve its goals and expand its footprint.
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“Their contract position was standard as they did not have many payer contracts prior to engaging us. Since we specialize in working with lab startups, we knew there would be a handful of contracts we could obtain right away.”
-Brennan Burns, VP of Payer Contracting, LLS
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UPCOMING CONFERENCES & TRADESHOWS |
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1. Q1 Diagnostic Coverage and Reimbursement Conference
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This email is brought to you as a service from Lighthouse Lab Services to provide quality and timely information that can improve your laboratory operations. We strive to maintain our position as the country’s premiere lab consulting firm and support your success. |
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The Lab Insighter is a monthly publication for Lab Owners and Decision Makers.
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Contact us at:
(919) 443-6553
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