Senate Resolution No. by Senator McMath urges the Louisiana Department of Health to update the Medicaid outpatient laboratory fee schedule to include coverage for all Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes related to respiratory viral panels. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by hospitals and healthcare providers in Louisiana due to the lack of reimbursement for these essential tests, which are crucial for detecting respiratory infections that can complicate patient care. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these panels in quickly identifying and treating serious respiratory infections, thereby limiting their spread.

The resolution calls for the Louisiana Department of Health to recognize the necessity of covering laboratory testing for respiratory viral infections, particularly those utilizing high-throughput technology. By updating the fee schedule, healthcare providers would be able to bill appropriately for these tests, ultimately improving patient outcomes and public health in Louisiana. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and the chief medical director of Louisiana Medicaid to ensure proper communication of this request.