Question:
Last week you said Pap smear rates would increase 1.10 percent this year. What does that equate to in dollars and cents?
Answer:
As required by law, payment for a cervical or vaginal smear test (Pap smear) must be the lesser of the local fee or the national limitation amount (NLA) but not less than a national minimum payment amount, which for 2018 is $14.65. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services use last year’s payment of $14.49 to determine this amount. Specifically, $14.49 times a 1.10 percent 2018 update equals $14.65.
This question was answered in an edition of our Laboratory Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please view our store, or call us at 1.800.252.1578 ext. 2.