New CMS CAH Regulations for Clinical Labs

The CMS 2010 IPPS final rule includes a change to CAH-Owned Clinical Laboratories which will require these laboratories to meet provider-based requirements as of October 1, 2010. Additionally, off-campus laboratories operating as part of the CAH and created/acquired on or after January 1, 2008 must satisfy both the provider-based requirements and provisions concerning the off-campus facility's minimum distance from a hospital or another CAH. CAH-owned clinical diagnostic laboratory facilities that do not satisfy the provider-based and, if applicable, distance requirements, by October 1, 2010 may continue to participate in Medicare, but will not be considered part of the certified CAH and will be paid under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS). For more information from CMS, click here; for an advance copy of the CMS State Operations Manual revisions, click here.