Private Sector Advocacy

In its advocacy with private health insurance plans, the CAP champions policies protecting access to pathology services for patients, and protecting against overburdening pathologists with administrative requirements and interfering with the practice of medicine. Advocacy staff monitors developments at state and national levels – communicating updates to members while educating payers of any effect on the practice of pathology.

Anthem Fee Schedule Changes

Since April 2019, the CAP has engaged with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on policy regarding fee schedule changes to pathology services in several states. Given the serious impact on pathologists, CAP leaders pressed Anthem to reverse fee cuts to pathologists. The CAP has argued that the cuts undermine the viability of pathologists’ practices and undermine access to care for pathology services, particularly in rural communities. More information can be obtained through our Advocacy Update publication and a formal letter to Anthem expressing continued concern as a follow up to phone calls with the insurer’s leaders.

Impacted pathologists should contact their regional network manager for additional information; carefully review all contract amendments, communications, and other information; and/or consult local business advisors or attorneys for further advice. Pathologists may also want to contact their state pathology society or medical association for state-specific information or resources.

Horizon BCBS Limits to Pathology Services

The CAP has opposed a new Horizon BlueCross BlueShield of New Jersey reimbursement policy that imposed limits on maximum daily units for surgical pathology and microscopic examination services. In a November 22 letter from the CAP to Horizon BlueCross BlueShield of New Jersey, we urged the insurer to reverse its restrictive policy and requested a meeting to discuss this issue further.

Laboratory Benefits Management Programs

To address laboratory benefit management (LBM) programs, the CAP established an advocacy position that supports legislation and regulation that appropriately limits the clinical role of LBM programs and other clinical decision support protocols. The CAP believes that governmental oversight and regulation of these programs is needed to (1) prevent conflict of interests by entities that administer these programs, and (2) to ensure these programs do not conflict with, subordinate, or unduly encumber the practice of medicine. Learn more about the CAP's policy for laboratory benefit management.

Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is a health plan cost-control process that requires providers to qualify for payment by obtaining approval before performing a service. The CAP agrees with the American Medical Association (AMA) and other stakeholders that this process is overused, costly, inefficient, opaque and responsible for patient care delays. In general, the CAP is concerned that utilization programs, prior authorization protocols, and other volume control methods that dictate or limit health care provider decision-making may impinge on the practice of medicine and could improperly encumber and curtail medically necessary clinical laboratory and pathology services.

Alert

Private Sector Advocacy

Anthem Fee Schedule Changes

Horizon BCBS Limits to Pathology Services

Laboratory Benefits Management Programs

Prior Authorization

Read more on how CAP efforts promote favorable private payer coverage, payment, and other policies.

Related Resources

Our Advocacy on Anthem Fee Cuts