Medicare Covers Next Generation Sequencing Tests for Advanced Cancer

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Friday issued a national decision to cover diagnostic laboratory tests using next generation sequencing for certain Medicare patients with advanced cancer. “These tests can help doctors consult with patients about more targeted care or enrollment in a clinical trial,” said CMS Chief Medical Officer Kate Goodrich, M.D. “The expanded coverage in this final [national coverage determination] now includes additional tests for relapsed, refractory and earlier stage III cancers to aid in the treatment of these cancer patients.”