Thursday, February 17, 2011

CMS to Withdraw Physician Signature Rule

The American Association of Bioanalysts has announced that the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services intends to withdraw the current physician signature rule regarding diagnostic laboratory tests. The rule, which was supposed to be in effect starting January 1, 2011, but was delayed, required physicians or qualified nonphysician practitioners to sign requisitions and paperwork for clinical lab tests in order to have the test paid for under Medicare Part B.

Opponents of the rule stated that it was disruptive and complicated matters since many physicians relied on nonphysician staff to process laboratory test paperwork. CMS stated that they will re-evaluate the policy.

To see the American Association of Bioanalysts' announcement, click here:
http://www.aab.org/aab/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=86&SnID=1949563646


Sources: BNA, American Association of Bioanalysts

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