At Aculabs, we understand how crucial accurate diagnosis coding is to the success of claims submission and timely reimbursement. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increasing number of claim denials from payors due to the use of "invalid" primary diagnosis codes. What Are Invalid Primary Diagnosis Codes? An "invalid" primary diagnosis code typically refers to one that
On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) message to inform healthcare providers, laboratory professionals, healthcare facility administrators, and health departments about a critical shortage of Becton Dickinson (BD) BACTEC blood culture media bottles. BD Diagnostics, Inc. has reported an interruption in the
Syphilis is a systemic sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease can be transmitted through sexual contact (person to person) or vertically from an infected mother to her unborn child. Despite reaching its lowest rate in 2000-2001, incidences of syphilis have risen significantly since 2001. According to the 2022 CDC
Aculabs' clinical lab director, Rita Khoury, MD, recently enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and speak with Market Leaders, a podcast hosted by the national healthcare publication McKnights Home Care, about TB Gold testing and the strategies laboratories like Aculabs utilize for long-term care facilities. From McKnights' website: Long-term care residents are at
The production of urine and the removal of waste products from the body is based on filtering blood through the glomerular membrane in the kidneys. The best assessment to measure how much blood the kidneys filter each minute is to use what is referred to as the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). The ability to
Anemia is a common condition in the geriatric population. Several studies have shown that the prevalence of anemia increases with age, with a notable rise starting at the age of 65 and a significant increase after the age of 80.To diagnose anemia, physicians heavily rely on the complete blood count (CBC), specifically looking at hemoglobin
We are thrilled to introduce a series of powerful enhancements to our web portal, designed specifically to empower nursing home facilities in their cost-saving endeavors. EXCEPTION WARNINGS & RESTRICTIONS With this update, users can now receive instant pop-up messages whenever an Exception Test is ordered. The notification provides essential details about the potential financial
On June 30th, the Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, signed the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations Act into law. Amongst the budgetary highlights of the spending agenda were investments targeting seniors, including those within the state’s many nursing homes and assisted living facilities. As reimbursement rates continue to be impacted, both healthcare providers and
The statutory requirements for new patient demographics take effect on 01/18/23 while recording and reporting requirements for sexual orientation and gender identity take effect on 07/18/23. As part of amendments introduced in 2022 to the New Jersey Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act, all clinical laboratories will have to ensure the reporting of new
To meet the needs of elderly patients, who exhibit lower viral loads of RSV, Aculabs now offers a molecular assay. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known to impact infants; however, elderly patients in long-term care facilities are also prone to RSV infection. Immunocompromised adults are very susceptible to severe RSV pneumonia, as well. Test code