New Association for Molecular Pathology Report Reignites Effort for Appropriate Reimbursement for Professional Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting of Molecular Diagnostic Testing Procedures

Survey reveals that current payment systems do not account for all of the time spent by qualified healthcare professionals to interpret and integrate results within the context of a patient's diagnosis

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Association for Molecular Pathology

Mar 16, 2021, 10:00 ET

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), the premier global, molecular diagnostic professional society, today released the results of its qualitative and quantitative "Analysis of Professional Work Effort in Molecular Test Interpretation Report." More than 100 molecular professionals from the AMP and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) communities reported that their efforts spent on data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for molecular diagnostic tests were not sufficiently reimbursed. Respondents indicated that adequate reimbursement for these activities would improve patient care by increasing access to these essential medical services and enabling more data-driven treatment decisions.

Molecular diagnostic services are currently provided by both physicians and qualified doctoral scientists with specialized training and experience. The survey found that the extensive analysis, interpretation, and reporting requirements can often take more than six hours per test. However, that time, expertise, and professional effort are not adequately accounted for or reimbursed under existing payment systems.

"As molecular diagnostic procedures become increasingly complex, and both the value and need for testing continue to grow, so does demand for the services of qualified molecular laboratory professionals," said Samuel K. Caughron MD, AMP Economic Affairs Committee Chair and President and CEO of MAWD Pathology Group. "The vital services these professionals provide need to be accounted for and reimbursed. AMP looks forward to working with all interested stakeholders to help ensure fair and reasonable reimbursement that provides more patients with better access to these valuable test procedures."

Since 2011, AMP has been a leading advocate for appropriate reimbursement for qualified healthcare professionals who are providing high-quality molecular diagnostic services. The results of this assessment will be crucial in providing data to inform discussions with payers, federal agencies, and members of Congress. AMP will continue to actively work with many professional organizations as part of its ongoing commitment to informing and influencing public policies that ensure fair and reasonable reimbursement solutions.

To read the full report on the Analysis of Professional Work Effort in Molecular Test Interpretation, please visit: https://www.amp.org/MDx_Survey_Report.

ABOUT AMP
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) was founded in 1995 to provide structure and leadership to the emerging field of molecular diagnostics. AMP's 2,500+ members practice various disciplines of molecular diagnostics, including bioinformatics, infectious diseases, inherited conditions, and oncology. Our members are pathologists, clinical laboratory directors, basic and translational scientists, technologists, and trainees that practice in a variety of settings, including academic and community medical centers, government, and industry. Through the efforts of its Board of Directors, Committees, Working Groups, and Members, AMP is the primary resource for expertise, education, and collaboration in one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare. AMP members influence policy and regulation on the national and international levels, ultimately serving to advance innovation in the field and protect patient access to high quality, appropriate testing. For more information, visit www.amp.org and follow AMP on Twitter: @AMPath.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Noble
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415-722-2129

SOURCE Association for Molecular Pathology