News
TELCOR is excited to share industry news and updates with our stakeholders across the country.
BCBSTX Postponing Implementation of New Laboratory Management Program
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced at the end of March that it was postponing the May 1 launch of its new lab policies and laboratory program [...]
DOJ Working to Combat COVID-19-Related Fraud
In March, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the appointment of a director for COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement. Associate Deputy Attorney General Kevin Chambers was chosen to serve in this [...]
OIG Reports Medicare Advantage Plans Often Deny Coverage for Eligible, Necessary Care
A report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs) sometimes delayed or denied [...]
CMS Issues FAQs for No Surprises Act
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued answers to frequently asked questions about the No Surprises Act, which was designed to provide billing protection for patients [...]
Medicare Part B Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Revised for Reporting Private Payer-Based Rate Information of CDLTs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised its Medicare Part B clinical laboratory fee schedule for the collection and reporting of private payer-based rate information for [...]
CMS Expands Eligibility for Lung Cancer Screening, Reimbursement
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded parameters for coverage of lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), in an effort to cover more individuals [...]
New ICD-10 Billing Codes Take Effect for COVID-19 Vaccination Status
The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) has revised billing codes related to COVID-19 vaccination. Beginning April 1, 2022, new categories will be introduced pertaining to [...]
ACLA Sends Letter to Congress Advocating for Funding for COVID-19 Testing for the Uninsured
The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) is urging Congress to prioritize additional appropriations through the COVID-19 Uninsured Relief Fund to fund COVID-19 testing for those who are uninsured. In [...]
HRSA Uninsured Program Funds Nearly Depleted
On March 15, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submitted a letter to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California), speaker of the House of Representatives, regarding the available funds from [...]
AHA Asks CMS to Waive Prior Authorization Requirements for Medicare Advantage Plans During Public Health Emergencies
The American Hospital Association (AHA) issued a letter on March 7 to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), urging the agency to join with Congress in requiring [...]