Question:
I’ve heard there are updates on coverage for NGS and germline cancer, is this true?
Answer:
Yes. After evaluation, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reached the decision that next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed as a diagnostic laboratory test is reasonable and necessary and covered nationally for patients with germline cancer (90.2). The information was presented in transmittal 10346 on September 11, 2020. This is effective for services performed starting on or after January 27, 2020, with the implementation date falling on November 13, 2020. These tests must be performed at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory.
This question was answered in an edition of our Laboratory Compliance Manager. For more hot topics relating to laboratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.