California Clinical Laboratory Association to Discuss Recent Trends in Federal Reimbursement Policies

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2002--

Noted Authority On Medical Billing and Compliance to Address California Labs

Lale White, CEO of XIFIN™ Inc. and nationally recognized authority on Medical Billing and Compliance, will conduct a workshop, sponsored by the California Clinical Laboratory Association, focused on the recent changes and trends in Federal reimbursement policy and judicial activities that affect California laboratories.

The workshop will be held on May 16th, from 1:00-5:00 PM, at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles. Other topics will include changes to Negotiated Rulemaking, Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) guidelines, Medi-cal billing and compliance issues, HIPAA updates and guidance, and Accounts Receivable management. Additionally, a representative from NHIC will participate to discuss changes that affect carriers as well as to answer questions regarding Medicare policies.

"Recent activities by the Institute of Medicine, OIG, Congress and CMS as well as outcomes from judicial actions involving compliance violations have signaled a promising trend in medical reimbursement and compliance enforcement," noted White. "The coordinated activities of these key Federal agencies are demonstrating a more reasoned and practical approach to managing and protecting the Medicare reimbursement program. This 'loosening' of some of the more onerous requirements will be a welcomed relief to labs, most of whom are already overwhelmed by an enormously complex reimbursement process."

About California Clinical Laboratory Association.

The organization was founded 25 years ago and has been instrumental in the formation and enactment of State and Federal laboratory legislation. Its membership includes 50 of the most influential labs in California. For more information about CCLA and its annual conference, contact Michael Arnold at 916/446-2646.

About XIFIN

XIFIN Inc., based in San Diego, Calif., is focused on maximizing the return while minimizing the burden of managing clinical laboratory financial assets and resources through continuous innovation in services and technology. Their initial offering is a fully compliant, Web-based accounts receivable and financial management system and transaction services for clinical laboratories. The system is designed to address the three most significant challenges facing billing operations: errors, compliance, and costly systems and processes.