Retired LCDs Pose a New Problem for Clinical Laboratories

The retirement of a LCD is considered by many to be a blessing rather than a problem because while a LCD is active, claims denials are automatic if the requirements of the LCD are not met. This forces the provider to obtain an advance beneficiary notice (ABN). Further, laboratories must maintain a database of LCD edits and update them when LCDs change or new ones are issued. Many think this all goes away when a LCD is retired. Think again!