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*** LAB NEWS ***
1/8/99
COMPLIANCE UPDATE
Two important reminders regarding ordering of laboratory tests.
The following are essential for our laboratory to be in compliance
with Medicare law, which is being strictly and punitively enforced:
1. Physicians are required to provide diagnosis codes (ICD9)
that justify the tests being ordered (the codes can ONLY come from
the healthcare provider).
2. The specific tests desired must be explicitly indicated.
In particular:
- Non-approved chemistry panels (SMAC, etc.) CANNOT be ordered.
A few panels (CHEM7, liver panel) are approved and can be ordered
when each component test is medically necessary. - An order for
"CBC" specifically indicates that a differential WILL
NOT be performed. If a differential is desired, order "CBC
with diff" or "CBCD" (for more info, see the bulletin
on CBC vs. CBCD
- Jay L. Bock, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Pathology
x4-2600
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