Governmental News

Washington, D.C. – July 25th 2007

Aculabs very own Tom Bejgrowicz testified before the House Committee on Small Business amidst growing concerns regarding CMS’ implementation of Competitive Bidding for Laboratory Services. The other witnesses included Timothy Love, of CMS, Mary Jo Bonifas of United Clinical Laboratories, Tod Schild of Shiel Medical, and Dr. Ronald Weiss of ARUP Labs.

Honorable Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez brought the meeting to order and after hearing the testimony of Mr. Love, quickly proceeded to question the operational standards and motivation in which CMS designed their competitive bidding model.  Many concerns and discrepancies were raised amongst all the Committee Members in attendance.

While the single largest concern expressed from the Committee was what impact this will have on a patient’s ability to access laboratory services, a number of concerns were raised with regard to CMS’ definition of Small Business. Tim Love failed to provide any formulas, and presented very little understanding of, how CMS’ Draft Bidder’s Package arrived at the $100,000 cap for Small Business.

 

“Competitive Bidding for laboratory services, in any form, could have wide reaching implications for the healthcare industry,” stated Chairwoman Velazquez.

The testimony from Tom, Ms. Bonifas, Mr. Schild, and Dr. Weiss all expressed the same sentiment. Very serious concerns with regard to patient access, quality of service, and cost were key elements in all testimonies given. 

It is not entirely apparent what implications this hearing will have repealing Competitive Bidding for Laboratory Services, but it has certainly raised the awareness of many Congressional Offices.  A written list of questions is being formulated by the Small Business Committee and answers are expected prior to the implementation of this project in any demonstration site.