Spectra Laboratories understands today's complex regulatory environment, and is always looking for ways to simplify the reimbursement processes for our customers. On this page, you'll find relevant, up-to-date reimbursement information on clinical laboratory tests for Medicare ESRD beneficiaries.

Understanding the CMS ESRD Prospective Payment System (PPS)
Beginning on January 1, 2011, Medicare will change the manner in which it reimburses dialysis facilities for ESRD related items and services.  Lab services are one of the items most significantly impacted by this change.

The new CMS ESRD PPS will bundle additional items and services, including most laboratory services, into a single payment to the dialysis facility.  For more information visit http://www.cms.gov/ESRDPayment/.

Coverage policy variations
Certain laboratory tests are subject to coverage policies that define, and may limit, the medical conditions that justify the test. These coverage policies may be National Coverage Determinations (NCD), which apply to all Medicare Contractors throughout the country, or Local Coverage Determinations (LCD), which apply only to the region in which the lab testing is performed.

Our Milpitas, California laboratory is subject to local policies issued by Palmetto GBA. Lab tests performed by our Rockleigh, New Jersey laboratory are subject to local policies issued by Highmark Medicare Services.

Local and national coverage and payment policies for clinical laboratory services are added and revised periodically. Spectra Laboratories regularly participates in forums to advocate for payment policies and rules that recognize the special needs of ESRD beneficiaries, and consider the critical role laboratory services play in the delivery of health care.

Reimbursement bulletins and guidelines
Spectra Laboratories complies with federal and state regulations regarding the billing and payment of clinical laboratory services furnished to ESRD beneficiaries. As part of our commitment to educate you on these requirements, we are pleased to provide the following Medicare reimbursement schedules for your review:

2009 Medicare Reimbursement Schedule - Spectra Laboratories - Milpitas, CA

2009 Medicare Reimbursement Schedule - Spectra Laboratories - Rockleigh, NJ

These documents contain the amounts that Medicare currently pays for clinical laboratory services performed by Spectra Laboratories.