Standing Orders in Drug Treatment Programs: How to Avoid Waving a Red Flag

so 2014By: Karina P. Gonzalez

Medical necessity is the driving force for the payment of any service, but is especially worth noting when discussing laboratory testing. Standing Orders for urine drug testing in residential treatment settings are not prohibited, per se, but this practice must be built upon detailed policies and procedures that are precisely followed and are directed to individual patient needs.

The following conditions may help to determine whether Standing Orders are appropriate in a residential treatment setting:Continue reading

Blue Cross Lawsuit Against Avee Attacks Point of Care Testing

malpractice defense

bcbs lawsuitA recent lawsuit by Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey has the potential to cripple point of care testing arrangements often employed by drug and alcohol treatment centers.  At risk is not only the roughly $36 Million sought to be recouped by BC/BS, but also perhaps the many millions more which may be claimed by other payers as well.

BC/BS is making serious allegations against Avee Laboratories, Alere, Inc., and a number of recovery centers.  The factual allegations include:Continue reading