The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA)-related cuts to the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) were scheduled for implementation on January 1, 2022. These cuts—of up to 15 percent—would affect some of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests. ASM is pleased that Congress passed the Protecting Medicare and Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act on Dec. 9, 2021, delaying PAMA cuts through 2022. The cuts are now set to take effect on January 1, 2023. Labs will also have an additional calendar year to fulfill their data reporting requirements. 

In November, ASM signed on to a community letter urging Congress to delay PAMA-related cuts. A related call to action among ASM membership saw high levels of engagement, and we're both thankful for and proud of the community response echoing our direct lobbying efforts – we were clearly heard by Congress.