Lucid Diagnostics gets coding and billing updates for esophageal tests

Lucid Diagnostics Inc. (Nasdaq: LUCD), a subsidiary of PAVmed Inc. (Nasdaq: PAVM), announced developments across three regulatory and coding proceedings affecting its EsoGuard® Esophageal DNA Test and EsoCheck® Esophageal Cell Collection Device, according to a company press release.

A Medicare Advisory Panel on Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests, convened by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on September 15-16, recommended maintaining the original gapfill payment basis for EsoGuard under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, using PLA code 0114U. The payment rate has been in effect since the CY2021 CLFS Update. CMS is expected to issue final determinations in November following a public comment period.

The American Medical Association's CPT Editorial Panel, meeting September 17-19, approved a new Category III CPT code for reporting nonendoscopic esophageal cell collection procedures performed with EsoCheck. The code is intended to allow physicians and health systems to report and track office-based procedures. The AMA is expected to publish a summary of panel actions in the coming weeks.

The CDC/National Center for Health Statistics hosted the diagnosis code portion of the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee Meeting on September 15-16, where a proposed new ICD-10-CM code (R85.83) was considered. The code would identify positive results for the two methylated DNA biomarkers targeted by EsoGuard. The proposal was submitted by Lucid and supported by the American Foregut Society. A public comment period will precede finalization.

Lucid operates two CLIA-certified laboratories in Lake Forest, California, and Irving, Texas. The company said it will begin submitting Medicare claims this month for tests performed at its Texas laboratory. Claims for the California laboratory will begin once a revised Local Coverage Determination from a pending reconsideration request takes effect.

"We are encouraged by the near-term commercial opportunities to expand access to EsoGuard through both of our CLIA-certified laboratories, including for Medicare beneficiaries," said Lishan Aklog, M.D., Lucid's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Softbank Said To Weigh Buying Largest Us Security Firm Allied - Bloomberg
• RBC: 'We believe $480/share is a price at which Tesla shareholders should be receptive to a deal'
• VCI Global posts revenue drop and net loss in 1H2026 amid pivot