CMS releases preliminary 2027 Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule rates

What happened

The September 24 MLN Connects newsletter announced preliminary calendar-year 2027 Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule determinations and an October 21 deadline for feedback. It distinguishes preliminary determinations for new tests from final contractor 2026 gapfill recommendations for 2027 payment. Comments on new-test determinations go to the CLFS annual public-meeting mailbox, while payment reconsideration requests for the gapfill recommendations go to the separate CLFS inquiries mailbox. The two files and submission routes address different parts of the rate-setting process.

CMS states that once the final, complete 2027 fee schedule is posted, the gapfilled payment amount is final. At the September 26 coverage cutoff, the October 21 window is still open; the newsletter does not itself make all announced preliminary amounts final payment rates or establish coverage for the associated tests. Laboratories should identify which test and methodology each concern involves, compare expected volume and payment effects, and tie supporting evidence to the appropriate comment or reconsideration route before the applicable decision is finalized.

Why it matters

Using the correct route and rate status helps laboratories submit evidence before the decision point without treating preliminary figures as production payment rates.

Implementation playbook

1. Internal target: Model preliminary rates against current laboratory volume. Finance · Due 2026-10-05
2. Internal target: Identify codes needing comment or reconsideration and assemble support. Clinical Operations · Due 2026-10-12
3. Internal target: Submit any supported request before the CMS deadline. Revenue Cycle · Due 2026-10-21

Sources

• MLN Connects Newsletter, September 24, 2026Official · Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services · 2026-09-24 · Source review 2026-09-27