Digital Pathology Blog

News items from CAP

Several newsworthy items in this recent mailing from CAP.

Of note, a couple items pertinent to digital pathology including dermatopathology survey, a pre-conference workshop at the upcoming Futurescape meeting on digital pathology and early announcements for CAP '09.

CAP Member Wins American Cancer Society’s Star of
Hope Award
Richard N. Eisen, MD, FCAP, was awarded the American Cancer Society’s Star of Hope award, which honors doctors who "demonstrate excellence in providing compassionate and skilled care for people facing cancer and their unyielding contribution in the cancer fight." The article illustrates how pathologists are an integral part of the medical team. The chief of oncology at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, said he’s worked with Dr. Eisen for 15 years and couldn’t image working without him at their hospital. Dr. Eisen’s recognition of his work is a great example of transformation of the specialty.
Read the full article

Revised Cancer Protocols—Coming Soon
Cancer protocols containing the 7th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) cancer staging elements will be released by the CAP mid- to late- summer 2009. Let your IT staff know now to prepare for these upcoming changes.
Learn more about the Cancer Protocols

YOUR COLLEGE NEWS

CAP ’09 Abstracts Program — Deadline Is March 27, 2009
With the deadline fast approaching, consider submitting an abstract or case study. Submissions to the Abstracts Program will be accepted through Friday, March 27, 2009, at 11:59 PM. The CAP ’09 Abstracts Program is a competitive program that is designed to promote a broad range of research in pathology. The program provides a unique opportunity to enhance research skills and contribute to the literature and advancement of pathology. Everyone is encouraged to submit abstracts, and CAP Junior Members are eligible for cash awards for their presentations. Visit the CAP ’09 website for more information.

 New Addition to the CAP Transformation
Web Site
Don’t miss the latest pathologist story of
Dennis D. Reinke, MD, FCAP, whose dedication to the specialty of pathology led him to receive the Pathologist Spotlight Award from the College.
Stay tuned for new photos and additions to the Real Story featuring Yvonne R. Hearn, MD, FCAP.

New Dermatopathology Survey
The CAP online digital slide program in dermatopathology offers valuable benefits to assess and improve your diagnostic abilities:

• Two releases, each with five diagnostic challenges—earn 5.0 CME credits per year
• Digital image technology, simulates the use of a microscope and allows scanning and magnification changes
• Challenges are completed online, on your terms, when and where you want
• Instant feedback—you’ll know immediately whether or not your diagnosis is correct
• First release in June

Enroll in the Dermatopathology CAP Survey today. Call 800-323-4040
option 1.

Save the Date: Lab Week Is
April 19–25, 2009
National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 19–25, 2009) is a special time set aside to recognize the important role that pathologists and other medical laboratory professionals play in treating patients. This year's theme is "Laboratory Professionals Get Results." Important information to help you promote National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week in your community and to your co–workers will be featured at the CAP website in April. Stay tuned to the CAP website for more information.

 

The CAP Foundation

Thinking about Digital Imaging for
Your Practice?
Attend the Digital Imaging Pre-Conference Workshop at Futurescape III—Transforming Pathology: Information as a Disruptive Technology, June 12–14 in Rosemont, Illinois. This hands-on experience will reveal how these systems can be used in your practice. For more information, contact Arlene Strong at 800-323-4040 ext. 7324.

New Pilot Program Available for Resident Research Grant Projects
A one-year pilot program created to provide financial resources for basic science and clinical research projects for residents and those in fellowships has been launched.
Learn more.

Call for Nominations Lansky Award for Leadership—Deadline:
May 1, 2009
Know a great candidate for the Lansky Award for Leadership? The CAP Foundation is currently accepting nominations.
Learn more.

Download the March NewsPath^® Podcast and Article
Listen to the March NewsPath^® podcast on "The Role of KRAS Mutation Testing in the Management of Colorectal Cancer," by special contributor, Mark D. Pool, MD, FCAP, and presented by CAP Spokesperson, Soon Bahrami, MD, FCAP. Both the article and podcast were based on the CAP POET report on the same topic. Share the information with your clinical colleagues during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March.

Sign Up for CAP '09 and Take Advantage of the Early Bird Savings
Sign up now for CAP '09 – THE Pathologists' Meeting™, October 11–14 at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC, and receive the best price guaranteed! Pay $899 and save 20% off the $1,125 global fee. No deposit required. Visit cap2009.org today and save!

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

CMS Technical Problem with New PQRI Code
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified a technical problem with the new PQRI 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) CPT II code. For pathologists, the PQRI code affected is 3250F, which non-primary site specimens for the Breast and Colorectal Cancer reporting measures. CMS carriers rejected these line items as unprocessable. More information is available on the CMS website.

View the New and Updated Practice Management Resources
The following is a list of new and updated practice management resources and each resource is listed by practice management topic area.

• Compliance and Risk Management
  • CMS Fraud & Abuse Resource List — A four-page summary of Fraud & Abuse topics and available resources.
  • HIPAA Privacy Rule and Health Information Technology — guidance documents that discuss how the Privacy Rule can facilitate the electronic exchange of health information
  • Medicolegal Issues in Pathology
  • Liability and Payment Issues in the Selection of Pathology Assays
• Human Resources
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI) — Apply or Update your NPI on the National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES)

Suite of SNOMED CT Courses Now Available in Self–Directed Format
SNOMED Terminology Solutions™ (STS™) now offers many of the popular, core SNOMED CT classes—SNOMED CT: An Introduction; SNOMED CT: Concept Model; SNOMED CT: Data Structure (Relational) Model, and SNOMED CT: An Introduction to Nursing Content in the new self–directed format. The new platform allows users a convenient way to learn about SNOMED CT at their own pace (or when their motivation is at its highest), without being tied to a scheduled time or place. It also gives students an economical option for learning, since it eliminates the traditional costs associated with travel and instructor expenses. To enroll in the self–directed courses, users should visit the STS online course catalog and create an account to register. STS also offers classroom sessions and Web teleconferences, and all education services can be customized.
Please note: The CAP Education activities will be unavailable March 14 through March 22 while the learning management system is upgraded. Please enroll after March 23, 2009.

SNOMED CT in Pathology and Cancer Work Registry Scheduled for May
The SNOMED CT in Pathology and Cancer Work Registry Web Teleconference will be offered 10:00–11:30 AM CST, May 18, 2009. This introductory 90–minute Web–based program will address SNOMED CT's structure and content coverage and its use in the surgical pathology cancer checklists as adapted from the College of American Pathologist's Cancer Protocols. The presenter also will review US government initiatives in biomedical informatics as related to SNOMED CT. For more information, call 800-323-4040 ext. 7700 or 847–832–7700, or contact snomedsolutions@cap.org.
Please note: The CAP Education activities will be unavailable March 14 through March 22 while the learning management system is upgraded.

RESIDENTS SECTION

Residents Forum Meeting in Boston–Resounding Success
Resident colleagues headed to Boston the weekend of March 6–7 to the Welcome Reception on Friday evening and for the all-day Saturday session. Transformation was a key theme. Visit CAP for Residents at the CAP website for the latest information.

SPOKESPERSONS NETWORK IN THE MEDIA AND
IN THE COMMUNITY

Pathologist Takes Steps to Keep Local Hospital Free from MRSA Infections
James R. Miller, MD, FCAP, is featured by the Salem Times Commoner Newspaper in Salem, Illinois, demonstrating a new technology, GeneXpert, which he is using to keep his local hospital free from MRSA infections. The article is a great example of how a pathologist is recognized for using technology to help transform the role of specialty in the media as well as in preventing the spread of MRSA.
Read the full article.

 

 

 

CMS Agrees to Suspend Implementation of Phase VIII MUE's Claims Payment

Courtesy of the American Pathology Foundation.  Good news for pathologists concerning reimbursement codes, particularly for the one most widely used for biopsies. 

APF NEWS ALERT!

CMS Agrees to Suspend Implementation of Phase VIII MUE's Claims Payment   For Immediate Release                                                 March 17, 2009                                                                      On Friday, March 13, 2009, officials from CMS agreed to temporarily suspend implementation of Phase VIII MUE's, including those CPT codes of most interest and concern to pathologists--such as the 88305.  This decision followed a frank and fruitful meeting between representatives of the American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) and the College of American Pathologists (Stephen Black-Shaffer, MD, Vice-Chair of the CAP's Economic Affairs Committee).   CMS agreed to schedule a follow-up discussion to better understand and address the concerns of pathologists and the clinical laboratory industry about the lack of transparency, among other things, with the current MUE review process.   Contact the APF National Office with any questions you have regarding this message:  info@apfconnect.org or 877-993-9935

Appeal to withdraw proposed cytology PT regulation from CAP

Action Alert
From the College of American Pathologists

---

March 6, 2009

Your Action is Needed Today
CAP needs you to write the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today to withdraw the proposed Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT) regulation and allow alternatives to be considered. To assist you, a sample letter is available for use.

Also, instructions on how to send in your letter to CMS are provided in this communication.

Background

On January 16th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed regulation making changes to the current Federal Cytology PT requirements. The CAP has been supporting an alternative model based on H.R. 1237/S. 2510, the Cytology Proficiency Improvement Act of 2007. Unfortunately, CMS’ proposed rule only makes changes at the margins and leaves in place the same flawed and punitive proficiency testing model that is not scientifically or statistically sound and bears little resemblance to Pap test practice today. Bottom line: The changes proposed in the new rule still produce a program that can't effectively measure competency, increase quality or improve women’s health. A comparison of the major provisions of the proposed regulation and the current program is provided below.

• Require testing every two years instead of annually.
• Require a 20 slide, four hour test instead of a 10 slide, two hour test.
• Allow for other test mediums (e.g. computer-based virtual slides) rather than only glass slides.
• Redefine the scoring system for pathologists and cytotechnologists, while mandating that the pathologist must still achieve a higher score to “pass.”
• Eliminate the current biopsy confirmation requirements for Category C (LSIL).
• Mandate laboratory director testing oversight responsibilities not currently required.
• Impose new regulatory requirements on the use of proctors for laboratory on-site testing.
• Bring current regulatory language for Category A (Unsatisfactory) response into conformance with Bethesda 2001 Terminology criteria for “unsatisfactory for diagnosis.”
• Increase the number of response Category D (HSIL or cancer) cytology challenges included in a test from one under the current program to at least two challenges in the proposed test.
• Impose a new requirement that challenges are continuously field validated throughout use of a cytology challenge.
• Impose a new regulatory requirement mandating that the appeals process be disseminated in writing.

Sending Your Letter To CMS

To send your letter to CMS, please log onto CMS’ website. CAP has prepared a sample comment letter for your consideration and submission to CMS. The letter is based on the following points:

• CMS has the ability to consider alternatives to the proposed rule and develop a new proficiency testing model.
• The current and proposed changes to the regulation provide a testing model that is statistically and scientifically unsound and can’t measure individual competency.
• The current and proposed changes to the regulation cannot demonstrate improved patient outcomes.
• Alternative testing models should be considered that tests skills as part of an educational curriculum that includes difficult, ambiguous cases that can keep pace with advances in medicine, complement CLIA quality measures and accreditation, as well as provide for continuous quality improvement.

Action Needed

• Log onto the CMS comment website.
• Enter all contact information.
• Using the “attachment function” found at the bottom of the CMS web page, attach the grassroots letter provided.

or

• Cut and paste your comments into the “general comments” text field provided on the CMS web page.
• Submit your comments before the Friday, March 17th deadline!

Important

Please email Christopher Sherin when you have submitted your comments. We will then know which doctors have been active, so our lobbyists can follow-up on with CMS. This makes your work more effective, so please email your report.

 

From the College of American Pathologists (reposted with permission)

View and print the complete STATLINE
(http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/hints/index1.html)

Photo: Rep. Jim McGovern Tours UMass Memorial Medical Center
Andrew Fischer, MD, FCAP guides Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) through a slide demonstration during a Congressional lab tour Feb. 18 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worchester, MA.
Go to full story

Proposed Federal Budget Includes 630 Billion Dollars for
Healthcare Reform
President Obama’s proposed Federal budget sets aside a “reserve” fund of more than $630 billion over ten years that will be dedicated towards financing healthcare initiatives including reform of the physician pay system and the adoption of Health
Information Technology.
Go to full story

Technical Problem with Pathology Code for PQRI, CMS
Offers Solutions
A technical problem affecting 20 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative quality-data codes, including the breast and colon cancer code, has caused some carriers to reject submissions for the first three months of 2009.
Go to full story

Patient-Centered Medical Home Model Demonstrations Are Underway
The need to reform healthcare to improve the coordination and quality of medical care continues to be a top priority for legislators and regulatory agencies, and the concept of the Medical Home has been widely supported by medical organizations and members of Congress to address that need.
Go to full story

Kansas Governor Tapped for HHS Nomination, Former Clinton Advisor Named Health Czar
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas was appointed by President Obama as the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services March 1, while former Clinton Administration advisor Nancy-Ann DeParle was named Health Czar.
Go to full story

Help Ensure Our Seat in the House of Medicine – Act Now!
Read a message from William V. Harrer, MD, FCAP, and CAP Delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates.
Go to full story

CAP Provides Testimony on Pathologists Role in Genomic Tests
for Patients
The College provided testimony to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee Feb. 25 highlighting the role of pathologists in developing, delivering and interpreting genomic tests for patients.
Go to full story

Reminder: Scholarship Applications Now Available for CAP’s
2009 Advocacy School
Scholarship applications are now available for 2009 Advocacy School, which will be held May 4 - May 6 in Washington, DC.
Go to full story

CAP News

TOP STORIES CAP Electronic Cancer Checklists Now Available in XML Format The College of American Pathologists electronic Cancer Checklists are now even easier to use! The checklists, which assist pathologists in reporting over 60 common and uncommon forms of cancer, are now available in eXtensible Markup Language (XML) format. The new format was chosen for its universal acceptance, its ease of use, and its ability to facilitate the sharing of structure data across different information systems, particularly via the Internet. The new XML format will replace the Microsoft Access database and should result in identical implementations, content-wise. Later in the year, these checklists will be enhanced further. New versions of over 70 checklists will be released, which will include revised and new content from the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual, 7th edition (currently, the checklists reference the 6th edition). CAP STS offers educational programs and consulting services to licensees for seamless implementation and customization of the checklists. Dennis D. Reinke, MD, FCAP, receives congratulations from Yvonne Hearn, MD, FCAP, and Robert L. Breckenridge, MD, MBA, FCAP. College Names First Recipient of CAP Pathologist Spotlight Service Award Dennis D. Reinke, MD, FCAP, was recognized as the first recipient of the College's Pathologist Spotlight Service Award at the Council on Membership and Professional Development luncheon in Austin, Texas, on January, 17, 2009. He was nominated by colleague Yvonne Hearn, MD, FCAP. When presented with the award, Dr. Reinke said, "I never imagined being recognized for the work I do everyday." Read about Dr. Reinke's recognition. Learn more about the CAP Pathologist Spotlight Service Award at cap.org or send your nominations to publicaffairs@cap.org. Second Laboratory in the United States Becomes Accredited to CAP 15189SM Program Avera McKennan Medical Laboratory of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently became the second laboratory in the United States to earn CAP 15189SM Accreditation. This accreditation is based on the ISO 15189:2007 Standard as published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for laboratory technical competence and continual quality management, which focuses on improved patient safety and risk reduction and outlines standards for quality and competence particular to medical laboratories. For additional information on the CAP 15189SM Accreditation Program, e-mail CAP15189@cap.org. Learn more.

YOUR COLLEGE NEWS 2009 CAP Meritorious Service Awards Program—Call for Nominations Members are invited to nominate recipients for the following CAP Meritorious Awards: CAP Distinguished Patient Care Award CAP Distinguished Service Award CAP Lifetime Achievement Award CAP Outstanding Communicator Award CAP Public Service Award Award criteria as well as instructions and a nomination form are available on the CAP Web site in either Microsoft Word or PDF formats. Nominations are due on or before March 9, 2009. Recipients will be invited to accept their awards in person during CAP '09 – THE Pathologists' Meeting™, which will take place October 11-14 at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC. Learn more. Download the February NewsPath® Podcast and Latest Article February NewsPath® podcast on "Diagnosing Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infections," which is based on the NewsPath® article by Zsolt Jobbagy, MD, PhD, FCAP, and presented by CAP Spokesperson Noel A. Brownlee, MD, PhD, FCAP. Read the February article on the "Use of Quantitative PCR in the Monitoring of Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia," written by Jason D. Merker, MD, PhD. NEW Additions to the CAP Transformation Web Site Don't miss the latest pathologist story of Yvonne Hearn, MD, FCAP, whose recent vacation to the South Pacific gave a child a much—needed diagnosis. Now available—Mara Aspinal's CAP '08 presentation on Personalized Medicine. Also, read about the latest trend in on-line auctions for radiologist services. CAP Spokesperson Patricia A. Thomas, MD, FCAP, Featured on FOX for Black History Month in February Patricia A. Thomas, MD, FCAP, was featured on the award-winning show, Americans in Focus, which ran on the FOX Sports Network during Black History Month in February. Emphasizing the importance of overcoming obstacles and how her hard work helped her become a Harvard graduate and a pathologist, Dr. Thomas' message is a great example of transformative behavior, highlighting the success one can achieve by setting one's mind to the goal. Watch the 90-second segment, which appeared on the FOX Sports Network television programming throughout February as well as on the national FOX Sports Network Web site. Dr. Thomas is identified as a pathologist, and she is in great company! Attend Futurescape III June 12–14 in Rosemont, Illinois. Just Added—Pre-Conference Workshop Personalized medicine focuses on using new tools that will enable pathologists to generate new information for improved patient care. The advent of biomarkers, their correct interpretation, and the integration of data from disparate information systems are essential to getting the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. The CAP Foundation invites you to attend Futurescape III, Transforming Pathology: Information as a Disruptive Technology. For more information, please contact Arlene Strong at 800-323-4040 ext. 7324 or visit futurescape.cap.org. Learn more. Renew Your 2009 Membership Dues Renewing your 2009 CAP membership online is quick and easy. You can pay by credit card or check. Plus, you will receive a detailed receipt suitable for reimbursement or processing by your institution. Learn more. Sign Up for CAP '09 and Take Advantage of the Early Bird Savings Sign up now for CAP '09 – THE Pathologists' Meeting™, October 11–14, at the Gaylord National Resort in Washington, DC, and receive the best price guaranteed! Pay $899 and save 20% off the $1,125 global fee. No deposit required. Visit cap2009.org today and save.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CAP ’09 Abstracts Program Consider submitting an abstract or case study. The CAP '09 Abstracts Program is a competitive program that is designed to promote a broad range of research in pathology. The program provides a unique opportunity to enhance research skills and contribute to the literature and advancement of pathology. Everyone is encouraged to submit abstracts, and CAP Junior Members are eligible for cash awards for their presentations. Submissions to the Abstracts Program will be accepted Monday, February 2, through Friday, March 27, 2009. Visit cap2009.org for more information.

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT CMS Announces Internet-Based Medicare Enrollment Available in All States and in the District of Columbia The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will allow pathologist to initiate, change, view, and check the status of their Medicare enrollment via the Internet. This new system is designed to be faster, easier to use, and secure. Physicians need their National Provider Identification (NPI) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) User ID and password to use the PECOS system. More information is available on the CMS Web site. View the New and Updated Practice Management Resources The following is a list of new and updated practice management resources at cap.org/practicemanagement, and each resource is listed by practice management topic area. Coding and Reimbursement CMS NCDs - Laboratory National Coverage Determinations ICD9Data.com - A free Web site to lookup ICD-9-CM codes ICD-10 - World Health Organization's ICD-10 listing Compliance and Risk Management Compliance Issues for Pathologists – A November 2008 Practice Managers Forum audioconference. Finance/Governance/Business Operations Consolidation of Physician Practices – A paper covering issues to consider when consolidating practices.

RESIDENTS SECTION Attend Residents Forum Meeting in Boston on March 7 You can still register to attend the Residents Forum. It's easy to do by sending an e-mail to RF staff. Join your resident colleagues for the Welcome Reception on Friday evening and for the all-day Saturday session, which includes continental breakfast and lunch! For more information, visit CAP for Residents at www.cap.org. If you have any questions or comments, contact Jan Glas.

SPOKESPERSONS NETWORK IN THE MEDIA AND IN THE COMMUNITY Forensic Pathologist Stresses Importance of Recognizing Signs of Depression in Children Stephen J. Cina, MD, FCAP, spoke with reporter Bob Roberts of WBBM News Radio, a CBS news station in Chicago, Illinois, about what a forensic pathologist looks for to determine if a death is a suicide—this after a fifth grader was found dead in a Chicago-area school. Dr. Cina offered tips to help parents and teachers recognize signs of depression, even in grade school children, to prevent future tragedies. Listen to the interview on WBBM's Web site, which became available as a news story download on February 4, 2009. Learn more.

Telestroke and Telepathology

Came across a recent article on stroke telemedicine, or "telestroke".

Stroke telemedicine is a lifesaving practice that deserves further advancement, Mayo researchers write in the January 2009 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Since its inception, stroke telemedicine has developed nationally and internationally as a reliable means of aiding patients. Yet certain key systematic components need to be developed more fully while specific unsettled issues must be resolved.

In nearly every subspecialty's "tele-" equivalent there always seem to be the same barriers to entry and suggestions made to improve the technology for practical clinical use.

In the article the investigators make several claims -- in every instance if you subsitute "telepathology" for "telestroke" and refer to pathology (histopathology) rather than stroke specifically, the claims and problems are the same for the same reasons and will likely so remain that way for sometime.

Perhaps with the new administration's goals for healthcar, healthcare IT and digitizing of medical care, some of these issues will no longer be obstacles for widespread adoption given the data to date.

"The implementation of telemedicine for stroke is a vital piece to the puzzle of creating universal access to emergency care for all patients with stroke, regardless of geographic location or hospital resources."

“Well-designed studies have shown that this consultative modality is valid, accurate and reliable.  Numerous telestroke networks exist worldwide, and most of these networks have published their implementation experiences and early outcome results.”

“Successfully delivered promises of telestroke include remote instant expert stroke diagnoses, delivery of short-term therapies, and secondary prevention advice.”

“Promises of telestroke applications that have been slower to materialize include widespread national and international telestroke networks that offer standardized evidence-based care, telestroke research networks for testing new stroke therapies, standardized measurements of telestroke quality of care, and acceptable guidelines for telestroke practice. “The long-term sustainability and growth of telestroke practice remains threatened by unresolved legal, economic and market factors.”

These factors include medical liability regulation and state licensing, substantial capital investment requirements and profit or self-sustaining plans relating to private and insurance payers.

“Telestroke practitioners and investigators should focus attention on analyzing and solving the business issues of the practice to allow further advances in the telestroke field and longevity of telestroke practice.”

Holiday Mail for Heroes

I was fortunate to train at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for a medicine internship and anatomic and clinical pathology training and practiced there for 4 years following my training to serve my military obligation.  In the course of that time I saw the soldiers and effects of war that it took on their livelihood and well-being. 

There are sometimes misrepresented e-mails about where to send holiday greetings.  If you are interested in sending cards to our recovering men and women, here is the correct address:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

All mail needs to be received by December 10th, and they will be distributed to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Let's spread some cheer to help brighten the lives of those who are stuck in the hospital during the holiday season.

 

Seven Cytotechnology Education Programs “at Risk”

Seven of the 39 accredited cytotechnology education programs in the U.S. have been identified as “at risk” for closure, representing a significant public health threat and underscoring the need for additional program funding in the wake of budgetary cutbacks.

The at-risk programs, identified in collaboration with the American Society of Cytopathology and state associations across the country, points to a trend that could dramatically impact millions of Americans’ access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Issues raised by this trend include:

• Concern over the sustainability of an adequate cytotechnologist workforce
• The fact that for every two new clinical laboratory scientists that enter the field, there are seven preparing to retire
• Assumptions that cervical cytology screening is coming to an end due to the introduction of the human papilloma virus vaccine and the HPV DNA test, despite women’s continued need for current cytology services
• Budget constraints faced by administrators looking to contain costs who may target cytology programs without taking into account impact on women’s health

For example, in Virginia a $2.5 billion deficit along with a law requiring a balanced budget has caused many local services, including state-funded schools, to brace for significant cuts—this pattern is found in states throughout the country.

In light of these findings, the College of American Pathologists and ASC will continue to advocate with state associations for legislative action to stabilize cytotechnology training funding and assure patient access to critical women’s health services.

CAP Tops 17,000 Members

For the first time since the College of American Pathologists was established in 1947, the CAP’s total membership (inclusive of Fellows, Juniors, Affiliates, and Emeritus) has exceeded 17,000. CAP membership now stands at 17,189 of which 10,433 are Fellows. In a time when many other associations’ membership is flat or declining, the College is aggressively increasing its membership.

ASCP Launches Phase II of Stop Pod Labs Campaign

From the ASCP

ASCP Launches Phase II of Stop Pod Labs Campaign

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) strongly supports the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) framework for its proposed physician fee schedule (PFS) for 2008, but the Society believes it may be necessary to enhance the rules in several areas. ASCP scored a significant victory when CMS released the proposed PFS on July 12, as the Agency recommitted itself to preventing the potential for billing abuses by "pod labs" and other arrangements using contractual joint ventures that markup the cost of anatomic pathology services.

Among the areas in the proposed PFS still in need of revision are the proposed rules regarding the definition of a full-time employee of the billing physician or group practice performing the Technical Component (TC)/Professional Component (PC). ASCP seeks to ensure that the employee would be a bona fide full-time employee working exclusively for the billing entity as proposed by CMS last year. ASCP is a strong and persistent supporter of CMS's 2006 proposal to eliminate the potential for abuse of the Medicare reassignment and self-referral provisions.

In addition to meeting directly with CMS officials and Congressman Pete Stark, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, to urge action, ASCP launched its"Stop Pod Labs Now" campaign, which generated approximately 2,000 letters to Congress asking legislators to push CMS to implement stringent reforms to block potentially abusive billing practices. Phase II of the campaign launches on August 1, 2007. For more details, watch for the August issue of ASCP's ePolicy News, by email Aug. 1 or online at http://capwiz.com/ascpath/issues/alert/?alertid=10115991.