493.19—Provider-performed microscopy (PPM) procedures.
(a) Requirement.
To be categorized as a PPM procedure, the procedure must meet the criteria specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(i)
A physician during the patient's visit on a specimen obtained from his or her own patient or from a patient of a group medical practice of which the physician is a member or an employee.
(ii)
A midlevel practitioner, under the supervision of a physician or in independent practice only if authorized by the State, during the patient's visit on a specimen obtained from his or her own patient or from a patient of a clinic, group medical practice, or other health care provider of which the midlevel practitioner is a member or an employee.
(iii)
A dentist during the patient's visit on a specimen obtained from his or her own patient or from a patient of a group dental practice of which the dentist is a member or an employee.
(3)
The primary instrument for performing the test is the microscope, limited to bright-field or phase-contrast microscopy.
(4)
The specimen is labile or delay in performing the test could compromise the accuracy of the test result.
(c) Provider-performed microscopy (PPM) examinations.
A laboratory may qualify to perform tests under this section if it restricts PPM examinations to one or more of the following procedures (or additional procedures added to this list as provided under paragraph (d) of this section), waived tests and no others:
(1)
All direct wet mount preparations for the presence or absence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and human cellular elements.
(9)
Qualitative semen analysis (limited to the presence or absence of sperm and detection of motility).
(d) Revisions to criteria and the list of PPM procedures.
(1)
The CLIAC conducts reviews upon HHS' request and recommends to HHS revisions to the criteria for categorization of procedures.
(2)
HHS determines whether a laboratory procedure meets the criteria listed under paragraph (b) of this section for a PPM procedure. Revisions to the list of PPM procedures proposed by HHS are published in the Federal Register as a notice with an opportunity for public comment.
(1)
Meet the applicable requirements in subpart C or subpart D, and subparts F, H, J, K, and M of this part.
[60 FR 20044, Apr. 24, 1995; 68 FR 50723, Aug. 22, 2003]