Feds: CLIA hasn't cut access

Article Abstract:

A study by the Office of the Health and Human Services Inspector General concludes that the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) has not hurt access to lab services by Medicare patients. The American Medical Association (AMA) and other organizations criticized findings of the study for failing to address issues such as the decreased availability of in-office testing. One AMA trustee observed that the CLIA study did not question issues of patient convenience and proximity of laboratory facilities.

Medical laboratories, Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, Research, Biomedical laboratories, United States. Department of Health and Human Services

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Are doctors ready for a suicide guide? N.Y. Health Dept. may craft criteria for the practice

Article Abstract:

The New York based 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals decision to approve assisted suicide has prompted the New York State Dept of Health to plan a draft of guidelines that will aid the healthcare industry in dealing with these matters. Meanwhile, state attorneys are appealing the decision to the US Supreme Court. The Task Force on Life and the Law will examine the issues and draw guidelines so that if the Supreme Court agrees with the decision, the state will be ready.

Health Programs-State & Local, Cases, Health care industry, Social policy, Suicide, New York, Health policy, New York. Department of Health

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HCFA rethinking ways to make doctors prove test necessity

Article Abstract:

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) is reviewing is payment policy for tests billed to Medicare in response to vigorous protests from medical groups. The HCFA is considering changes to a new policy that will require all reimbursed tests to be medically necessary. Officials from HCFA are evaluating more accommodating procedures for physicians to document necessity than the agency had originally planned.

Planning, Finance, United States. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

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