The College of American Pathologists (CAP) submitted formal comments urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) not to advance proposed Medicare payment policies that could substantially reduce reimbursement for pathology and laboratory services under the calendar year 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS).
“Pathologists diagnose cancer and many other serious diseases, providing critical information that guides treatment and patient care,” says Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, CAP president, in a release. “In our comments, we urge CMS not to advance proposed payment changes that could sharply reduce Medicare reimbursement for pathology services based on analyses that do not fully reflect the complexity of pathology practice.”
Zhai adds in a release, “These services are essential to patients, physicians, and the health care system. Additional reimbursement cuts could undermine access to timely, accurate diagnostic services and affect the pathology practices and laboratories that provide them. Any future changes to reimbursement should follow the established, clinically informed review process and be informed by physician expertise and meaningful stakeholder input to avoid unintended consequences for patient care.”