SUBJECT: Extension of Moratorium That Allows Independent Laboratories to Bill for the Technical Component of Physician Pathology Services Furnished to Hospital Patients

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Under previous law, a statutory moratorium allowed independent laboratories to bill a carrier or an A/B MAC for the technical component (TC) of physician pathology services furnished to hospital patients. This moratorium expired on December 31, 2009. However, Section 3104 of the PPACA extends that moratorium retroactive to January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. Therefore, independent laboratories that provide the TC of physician pathology services furnished to hospital patients may begin billing for and receive Medicare payment for these services. This policy is effective for claims with dates of service on and after January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. Source: JSM/TDL–10207, 03-29-10