Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Groups Voice Concerns about Two Proposed Genetic Test Registries
Separate genetic and molecular test registries proposed by the National Institutes of Health and by Palmetto GBA draw detailed public comments from medical lab groups
Registries for genetic tests and molecular diagnostic assays don’t seem to be going over well with clinical laboratories and pathology groups. Two different genetic test registries are drawing criticisms from pathologists and laboratory medicine professionals.
One molecular test registry was proposed last year by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For different purposes, this fall, Palmetto GBA, the Medicare Carrier based in Columbia, South Carolina, proposed a molecular test registry that would be used by laboratories billing for molecular testing services provided in the Medicare J1 region, which includes California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
This second registry is part of what Palmetto GBA has named the “Molecular Diagnostic Program” (MolDx). Palmetto expects this registry will help resolve problems created by code stacking claims for genetic and molecular tests. (See Dark Daily “Palmetto GBA Execs Explain MolDx, Its New “Molecular Diagnostic Services” Program for Clinical Pathology Laboratories,” November 15, 2011.) The MolDx program has already attracted public comments, both positive and negative.
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