ePolicy New January 2021

Find a list of the stories in the January 2021 edition of ePolicy News below.

Are Laboratory Professionals Prioritized for the COVID-19 Vaccine? 25 Organizations Say ‘Yes!’
ASCP is urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to clarify that laboratory personnel are included in the COVID-19 vaccine tier 1a prioritization group, which includes healthcare personnel. Read more.

COVID-19 Relief Bill Reverses PFS Payment Cuts, Provides More Funds for Testing
The recently enacted $900 billion COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus bill mitigates much of the sizable cuts for pathologists and clinical laboratories in the CY2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Read more.

Congress Curbs Surprise Billing in Omnibus Coronavirus Relief Bill 
A measure to curb surprise medical bills was signed into law on December 27 as part of the coronavirus relief and economic stimulus bill. Starting in 2022, patients won’t receive surprise bills for emergency care or for nonemergency care provided at an in-network hospital when they are unknowingly cared for by an out-of-network physician, laboratory or other healthcare provider. Read more.

SCD Coalition Releases New Resources on Blood Donations and Sickle Cell Disease
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, it is more crucial than ever that we curb the nation’s critically low blood supplies. Blood donations are crucial for individuals with sickle cell disease who rely on life-saving transfusions to treat their disease and prevent complications. The Sickle Cell Disease Coalition has launched a new section of the Coalition website featuring a host of resources on blood donations and sickle cell disease. Read more.

ASCP Advocacy: 2020 Year in Review
The COVID-19 pandemic dominated many of ASCP’s advocacy efforts in 2020. Perseverance helped us achieve significant forward motion on behalf of pathologists and medical laboratory professionals. Read more.

Choosing Wisely Champions: Call for Nominations Deadline is February 19
ASCP is currently accepting nominations for its 2021 Choosing Wisely Champions program through February 19. The program recognizes pathologists and laboratory professionals who are making informed decisions about laboratory testing to improve patient care, reduce healthcare costs and encourage their colleagues to use the right test at the right time for the right cost. Read more.