Laboratory News

Most Pathology Groups Are Unaware of Additional Medicare Reimbursement with PQRI

Here's the update our recent Dark Daily e-briefing on Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).  For 2008, participation by pathologists in PQRI can earn additional reimbursement from Medicare for selected clinical services.  That Dark Daily item included a survey for readers. We got a small number of respondents for the brief survey (shame on you who didn't respond!). 

Two basic facts emerged. First, 81.3% of respondents were aware of the PQRI program for 2008. Second, 75% of respondents were planning to participate and 25% of respondents were still undecided.  However, no one responding declared that they definitely would not participate.

Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents said that getting additional reimbursement from Medicare was the primary reason they would participate.  Many also noted that they were already reporting the quality indicators, so they might as well get paid for it!

The only opportunity for pathologists to participate in the 2008 PQRI is to report on breast and colon cancer sections.  Pathologists stand to earn a 1.5% bonus on their total Medicare allowed charges for participating.

There was great interest in getting more information on the how and when of the PQRI initiative for 2008.  Look forward to more information about the PQRI next week when Dark Daily reveals the results of what it learned from listening in on a Pathology Service Associates  audio conference today!