House Resolution No. by Representative Miller urges the Louisiana Department of Health and its Medicaid program to update the outpatient laboratory fee schedule to include coverage for all related Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for respiratory viral panels. The resolution highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers in Louisiana, who are currently unable to receive reimbursement for these essential tests, which are crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory infections. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these panels in identifying infections quickly, thereby aiding in effective treatment and limiting the spread of serious respiratory diseases.

The resolution calls for the updated fee schedule to be implemented by July 1, 2024, ensuring that Medicaid managed care organizations can reimburse hospitals and healthcare providers appropriately for respiratory viral panel testing. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and the executive director of the Medicaid program to facilitate this necessary update.