WASHINGTON—CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to fund the federal government and delay Medicare payment cuts of up to 15% to clinical laboratory tests.
“Congressional action to prevent Medicare cuts to clinical laboratories is essential to preserving patient access to diagnostic testing,” said Dr. Zhai. “We appreciate the House’s passage of legislation to halt these cuts and now urge the Senate to swiftly enact the bill. Doing so will give Congress an additional year to reform the flawed PAMA rate-setting process for clinical laboratory services and ease unnecessary administrative burdens on laboratories.
“Under the current PAMA framework, the magnitude of future fee cuts threatens the operational stability of clinical laboratories across the United States, jeopardizing timely access to care for patients. The RESULTS Act would mitigate these cuts, protect access to essential diagnostic services, and ensure laboratories can continue delivering high-quality care.”