CMS SOM App. C, Tag D2133

(a) The laboratory must ensure that each individual engaged in the examination of

gynecologic preparations is enrolled in a proficiency testing program approved by

CMS by January 1, 1995, if available in the State in which he or she is employed.

Interpretive Guidelines §493.855(a)

Confirm by review of the attestation of enrollment documentation that all the individuals

examining gynecologic cytology slides are enrolled in a CMS-approved cytology PT

program.

If an individual works at more than one laboratory, the individual will be required to

indicate, prior to the first testing event, one laboratory as the primary laboratory where

the individual will be tested. Each laboratory is responsible for ensuring that all

individuals examining gynecologic preparations in their laboratory indicate a location of

testing.

Pathologists who routinely examine gynecologic cytology slide preparations, only after

they have been examined and marked by a cytotechnologist, may be tested by one of two

methods:

a. Using a test that has been previously examined or marked by a cytotechnologist in their

laboratory accompanied by the cytotechnologist’s PT answers, or

b. Using a test set that has not been previously examined.

A pathologist, who examine and interprets slide preparations without pre-screening by a

cytotechnologist, must be tested using a test set that has not been previously examined.

Each individual participating in a CMS-approved Cytology PT Program will be assigned

a unique national PT registration number (PRT#) that will remain, regardless of the

CMS-approved PT program utilized or future places of employment. Identifying

information for individuals will be placed in a Privacy Act protected System of Records

at CMS, and its confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with applicable law.

Personnel Requirement for Cytology Proficiency Testing (PT)

Cytotechnologist—Newly Certified by ASCP

New graduates of schools of cytotechnology who have taken the Certification

Examination in Cytotechnology administered by the American Society for Clinical

Pathology (ASCP) Board of Registry (BOR) and obtained a passing score have

demonstrated an initial competency level in the examination of cervical cytology. These

newly certified individuals will not be monitored for PT by CMS throughout the calendar

year in which they passed their ASCP BOR Examination.

• New graduates of schools of cytotechnology who are employed, have taken the

Certification Examination in Cytotechnology administered by the ASCP BOR,

but have not obtained a passing score are required to participate in a CMS-approved Cytology Proficiency Testing Program.

Pathologists—Newly Board Certified

• Anatomic pathologists who are newly certified by the American Board of

Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology have demonstrated an

initial level of competency interpreting cervical cytology specimens by passing

the examination. These newly board certified individuals will not be monitored

for PT by CMS throughout the calendar year in which they became board

certified in Anatomic Pathology.

• Cytopathologists who receive added qualifications in Cytopathology from the

American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology

have demonstrated competency interpreting cervical cytology specimens by

passing this examination. These newly board certified individuals will not be

monitored for PT by CMS throughout the calendar year in which they became

board certified in Cytopathology.

Residents and Fellows

• Anatomic pathology residents are not required to participate in a CMS-approved

Cytology PT Program. Pathology residents are under the constant supervision of

fully licensed physicians and are not responsible for the final diagnosis of cervical

cytology specimens.

• Anatomic pathology fellows whose responsibilities in the cytology laboratory

include the examination and interpretation of gynecologic specimens must enroll

and achieve a passing score in a CMS-approved Cytology PT Program each

calendar year.

All Other Cytotechnologists and Pathologists

• All other individuals subject to Cytology PT must enroll and be tested during each

calendar year.