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Article: Specialty histology labs increase risks.(Washington Report)
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- September 1, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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There is an increasing trend toward the establishment of histology laboratories by nonpathology medical practices, particularly gastroenterology, urology, and dermatology practices. A specialty practice can establish an in-house histology laboratory, but there are many serious legal issues and risks involved in this activity. These include fraud and abuse compliance (particularly, the Stark law), significantly increased malpractice risk, financial expenditures, license and certification issues, and payor issues.
Because pathology services are subject to the Stark self-referral prohibition, it is important that the structure and operation of an in-house histology ...