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 CPT codes related to respiratory viral panels. Currently, healthcare providers in Louisiana are unable to receive reimbursement for these essential tests, which are crucial for detecting respiratory infections that can complicate patient diagnoses and treatment. The resolution highlights the importance of these panels in quickly identifying and managing serious respiratory infections, particularly when utilizing advanced testing technologies.

The resolution calls for the Department of Health to take action to ensure that hospitals and healthcare providers can appropriately bill for respiratory viral panel testing. It emphasizes the need for updated coverage to support effective healthcare delivery and limit the spread of infectious diseases. 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 facilitate this request.