Featured News
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New analysis challenges GAO Report’s assumptions on lab billing
A new analysis from Braid-Forbes Health Research exposes the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) flawed assumptions about lab billing practices by presenting survey data on more than 20 million actual clinical laboratory claims. Braid-Forbes’ analysis of publicly available data demonstrates that the GAO’s claim – that labs are receiving “excess payments” by charging Medicare for individual component tests in greater numbers rather than charging reducedContinue Reading »... -
ACLA Elects 2019-2020 Board of Directors
Washington, D.C. – The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) today announced the election of its new Board of Directors for 2019-2020. Douglas M. VanOort, Chairman and CEO of NeoGenomics Laboratories will take on a new leadership role as ACLA Board Chair, replacing Dr. Curtis Hanson of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Jerry Hussong, CEO of Sonic Healthcare USA was elected Vice Chair and John Kolozsvary, CEOContinue Reading »... -
ACLA Files Reply Brief Ahead of Oral Arguments in ACLA v. Azar Appeal
HHS’ data collection process under PAMA disregards Congressional intent, jeopardizing lab access for millions of seniors Washington, D.C. – The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) filed a reply brief today ahead of oral arguments in the ACLA v. Azar appeal which has been scheduled for April 23, 2019. The brief reinforces ACLA’s argument that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) failedContinue Reading »... -
With all eyes on cancer moonshot, labs continue to prove value
In 2019, an estimated 1.7 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. As patients and their families across the country grapple with how to manage and overcome this painful disease, clinical labs are busy developing and providing innovative methods to identify, diagnose and monitor cancer. From early detection and evaluating the best course of treatment,Continue Reading »... -
GAO acknowledges recent report projected lab spending based on hypothetical framework
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), often referred to as the “congressional watchdog,” is supposed to examine how taxpayer dollars are spent, and then provide Congress and federal agencies with objective, reliable information to help save money and work efficiently. And yet, following growing pushback to a recent report on laboratory billing practices in the Medicare program, James Cosgrove, GAO health care director andContinue Reading »... -
ACLA Statement on New Genetic Testing Guidelines for Hereditary Breast Cancer
New guidelines issued by the American Society of Breast Surgeons call for genetic testing to be available for all breast cancer patients Washington, D.C. – In response to the American Society of Breast Surgeons’ (ASBrS) recently released guidelines on genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer, ACLA President Julie Khani issued the following statement: “Our ability to pinpoint the start of breast cancer at itsContinue Reading »... -
Clinical laboratory diagnostics play key role in understanding heart health
Through innovation and advances in science, the health system has made significant progress in identifying and treating cardiovascular disease – the most significant development being the reduction in heart attacks and strokes. In fact, from 1980 to 2014, the number of Americans dying from cardiovascular disease dropped in half. While we now know more than ever before about the risk factors associated with heartContinue Reading »... -
Leading a new generation of personalized medicine, LDTs must be key consideration in diagnostic reform
Lab developed tests (LDTs) are essential to health care delivery and the broader health system, helping pave the way for a new era of personalized medicine and making it possible to achieve national health goals like the Cancer Moonshot. These vital tests are developed and performed by individual laboratories, providing reliable, early diagnosis for many rare and increasingly complex conditions. In many cases, LDTsContinue Reading »... -
Seniors managing diabetes are counting on Congress to protect their essential lab services
For America’s seniors, diabetes is now the number one health condition leading to frequent emergency room visits, according to a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. On top of that staggering statistic, the CDC reports that one in four seniors has diabetes—the highest prevalence among any age group. Most patients know that disease monitoring and management requires reliable access to routine testing.Continue Reading »... -
More than 60 Leading Health Care Organizations Call on CMS to Maintain Coverage for Medically Necessary Cancer Testing
Overly broad interpretation of national coverage determination for next generation sequencing restricts Medicare beneficiary access to vital testing and adversely impacts cancer care WASHINGTON, DC – February 1, 2019 – Leading health care companies and organizations representing patients, providers, academic medical centers, laboratories, and diagnostic manufacturers urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to revise its interpretation of the National Coverage DeterminationContinue Reading »...
