Question

Which of the following are tests that a physician's office laboratory may perform if it has been granted a certificate of waiver?

a) Highly complex tests
b) Moderate complexity tests
c) Waived tests
d) Low complexity tests

Answer 1

Physician's office laboratories with a certificate of waiver may perform waived tests, which are simple and have a low risk of incorrect results. Moderate and highly complex tests require more sophisticated equipment and expertise.

Step-by-step explanation:

A physician's office laboratory with a certificate of waiver is permitted to perform waived tests. These tests are categorized as simple laboratory examinations and procedures that have a low risk for an incorrect result. Examples of waived tests include pregnancy tests, glucose monitoring in people with diabetes, and some tests for infectious diseases like strep throat. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) defines waived tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Waived tests require minimal judgment and interpretation compared to moderate and highly complex tests, which typically require more sophisticated equipment and oversight.