Gilead Sciences slightly higher off the open; uncertain of exact timing but CMS recently issued decision memo for screening for hepatitis C virus in adults - screening covered for those determined to be high risk
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has determined the following:
- CMS will cover screening for HCV with the appropriate U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved/cleared laboratory tests, used consistent with FDA approved labeling and in compliance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) regulations, when ordered by the beneficiary's primary care physician or practitioner within the context of a primary care setting, and performed by an eligible Medicare provider for these services, for beneficiaries who meet either of the following conditions.
- A screening test is covered for adults at high risk for Hepatitis C Virus infection. "High risk" is defined as persons with a current or past history of illicit injection drug use; and persons who have a history of receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1992. Repeat screening for high risk persons is covered annually only for persons who have had continued illicit injection drug use since the prior negative screening test.
- A single screening test is covered for adults who do not meet the high risk as defined above, but who were born from 1945 through 1965.
- --> Full Memo if you care {http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=272}
