It is becoming clear that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are systematically limiting access to laboratory testing through prior authorization requirements, creating a two-tiered healthcare system where beneficiaries face barriers that traditional Medicare patients never encounter. Prior authorization barriers create diagnostic delays, and the scope of this problem has exploded over the past decade. What
The routine use of molecular urine testing - particularly multiplex PCR assays - for diagnosing UTIs in nursing homes has become increasingly controversial. A recent McKnight’s article highlights a call on providers to stop using routine PCR urine tests for UTIs, "the most common infection in nursing homes," citing patient safety concerns, escalating costs,
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
What is the status of the CMS Vaccine Mandate at present? The United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana has issued a nationwide injunction preventing the federal government from implementing the CMS vaccine mandate for health care staff. This injunction applies to all states which were not covered by the injunction issued yesterday in ten states,
Currently, the B16172 (Delta) variant, the B117 (Alpha) variant, the P1 (Gamma), and B1526 (NY variant) have been reported in New Jersey, but make way for the new one B.1.1.529 also known as Omicron - named for the 15th letter of the greek alphabet. This past Sunday, the WHO said it is not yet clear
Early last week, we received Interact data from a number of facilities participating in our Point of Care Program. Analyzing a 12 month period, the 30-Day Readmission Rate has shown significant improvement. Facilities experienced a decrease of 30% in the Post-Acute hospital readmission rate. History Aculabs began developing its Point of Care Program in
Time is our most valuable commodity especially when it comes to healthcare.. Not only does time carry severe importance for patients eagerly awaiting results, but time and proper usage of it can often impact accuracy and quality. Results can largely only be as clinically useful as they are also relevant. This is seen most
As technology evolves, it allows the industry to provide customers with Electronic Medical Records faster than ever. However, limitations still exist in a modern, high-tech world. Our Aculabs Client Web Portal allows us to step in when others come up short, connecting patients with their medical information almost instantly. With our redesigned website, we continue
As we rely more and more on the benefits of Electronic Medical Records and the conveniences its use brings, it is important we maintain the necessary back up procedures for when they fail. Electronic Medical Records (EMR) are systems and as such are prone to failure from time to time. Aculabs web portal allows
Why do I have critically low CBC, abnormal chemistry, and/or abnormal coagulation results for my patients? Why is the drug level is very high? Why do the results fluctuate and do not correlate with the patient’s condition? These are some of the questions we are frequently asked when it comes to specimens collected from