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Each month with Laboratory Compliance Insider you get more of our exclusive working tools: model guidelines, policies, forms, etc., that you can use to comply with OIG and CMS, reduce claim denials, and get paid in full and on time.

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Laboratory Compliance Insider

Issue 12, December 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Quality control, compliance in the genomics era

  Genomics-based technologies are front-page news in the mainstream media, thanks to companies...

• OIG addresses lab concerns in its 2009 Work Plan

  The OIG’s Work Plan can give labs much-needed clues about where the government will be...

• Signature requirements cause labs headaches

  In August, CMS issued a transmittal clarifying physician signature requirements for clinical...

Issue 11, November 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Keep the chargemaster from being a taskmaster

  It’s difficult to overstate the importance of accurate chargemaster (also known as charge...

• Debate over licensing for technologists continues

  Given how much the medical profession depends on laboratory work, as well as the potential...

Issue 10, October 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• CoP rule hardens blood safety requirements

  CMS recently issued a final rule cementing hospital Conditions of Participation (CoP) requirements...

• Genetic testing raises questions about laboratory tests

  California began aggressively cracking down on direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies in...

• Incident-to rules rescinded, laboratories need not worry

  Hospital administrators got a scare early this year when CMS released guidelines governing...

• Joint Commission offers options to combat disruptive acts

  In the September LCI, we discussed The Joint Commission’s (formerly JCAHO) new leadership...

Issue 9, September 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Laboratories celebrate landmark victory

  Clinical laboratory professionals across the country will most likely remember July 15, 2008, as...

Issue 8, August 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• A proactive approach to self-disclosure protocols

  Not being in compliance with federal healthcare laws and regulations can be costly, even for...

• Secrets to success in processing medical necessity paperwork

  A good medical necessity and ABN process starts with common sense and education. Laboratory team...

Issue 7, July 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Court orders CMS to stop flawed bidding process

  A California federal court ordered the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting...

• Five tips to ensure medical necessity compliance

  To ensure that laboratory tests are medically necessary, your facility must do more than just abide...

Issue 6, June 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Provide HPV testing protocol reminders

  Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has become an important topic in women's health. Your...

• Comply with OSHA chemical hygiene rules

  OSHA requires laboratories that handle hazardous chemicals to develop and implement a chemical...

• Questions remain on implementation of new ABN form

  The May LCI outlined the most recent information about the new ABN form. Beneficiaries now have...

• What you need to know about CAP inspection time frames

  In the past, after the CAP inspection team visited your facility, a follow-up visit would typically...

Issue 5, May 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• CAP reviews: Analysis of the impact two years later

  Initial CAP inspections showed less than stellar results due to lack of objectivity and focus, says...

• Provide adequate protective equipment for employees

  Ensuring that employees wear their protective equipment represents one of the most pressing...

Issue 4, April 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Tips to ensure older workers' well-being

  The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age, but many boomers are opting to remain in the...

• Communicate custom reflex test policies and procedures

  Reflex testing poses some complicated compliance and billing concerns for your laboratory. But if...

• Four safety goals from The Joint Commission

  The Joint Commission's 2008 National Patient Safety Goals have significant implications for...

Issue 3, March 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Anti-markup delayed, some rules remain for laboratories

  The January LCI outlined the implications of the 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule...

• Compliance tools to help handle DWI blood draws

  Drawing blood for purposes of prosecution of driving while intoxicated (DWI) could cause your...

• Disaster information for employee home use

  ditor's note: Distribute the following information, provided by the American Red Cross, to help...

Issue 2, February 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Avoid accreditation risks, pay attention to equipment care

  Laboratories should not only regularly check and maintain equipment and instruments, they need to...

• Avoid scrutiny for ESRD claims

  An OIG audit recently resulted in a hospital repaying more than $60,000 for laboratory services to...

Issue 1, January 1, 2008 - VIEW THE FULL ISSUE

• Document your OIG Work Plan priorities

  All laboratories should review the OIG's annual Work Plan for compliance issues relevant to their...

• MPFS 2008 final rule: The ins and outs of Stark Law

  CMS issued its 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule resolving some proposals-like...