Advocacy - Lab Advocate
ADLM continues its strong advocacy for Medicare Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) reform, most recently endorsing the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act of 2025
In its letter to Representative Richard Hudson, and Senator Tom Tillis, ADLM emphasized that the current CLFS—implemented under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA)—relies disproportionately on data from large national laboratories, resulting in steep, unsustainable payment cuts that threaten access to testing, especially in rural and underserved communities. The RESULTS Act would correct these deficiencies by ensuring more representative market data, reducing administrative burden, and creating a more predictable, equitable rate-setting process. Importantly, the legislation would also prevent additional cuts—up to 15% for more than 800 tests scheduled for January 1, 2026—while the new system is developed.
ADLM also joined a national coalition of laboratories, physicians, hospitals, diagnostic manufacturers, and health care providers in urging congressional action. The coalition stressed that laboratory services account for less than 1% of Medicare spending yet inform 70% of clinical decision making. The groups urged Congress to enact the RESULTS Act to stabilize payment rates, ensure accurate data collection across all segments of the laboratory market, and protect patient access to routine and life-saving diagnostic testing. The coalition also noted that PAMA’s flawed initial data reporting cut nearly $4 billion from the CLFS in the first three years alone—underscoring the need for permanent reform.
ADLM remains committed to advancing meaningful CLFS reform and will continue working with Congress and partner organizations to secure long-term stability for clinical laboratories and the patients they serve.