8-KOther EventsExhibits & Filings

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Nov 21, 2017)

Filed November 21, 2017For Securities:DGX

Summary

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) filed an 8-K on November 21, 2017, to disclose the financial impact of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) finalized Medicare reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory tests under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA). The company anticipates a material negative impact on its revenue, expecting a reduction of approximately 4% in 2018, and a more significant 10% reduction in both 2019 and 2020, due to these finalized rates. This update is crucial for investors as it directly affects the company's top-line performance and profitability in the coming years. The company has scheduled a conference call for November 21, 2017, to further discuss these implications, signaling the importance management places on communicating this development to stakeholders. Investors should pay close attention to the details discussed on the call to understand the company's mitigation strategies and the long-term outlook.

Key Highlights

  • 1Quest Diagnostics disclosed the expected financial impact of the finalized PAMA Medicare reimbursement rates.
  • 2The company anticipates a 4% decrease in revenue in 2018 due to the new rates.
  • 3A more substantial revenue impact of approximately 10% is expected in both 2019 and 2020.
  • 4The finalized rates were published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • 5Quest Diagnostics will host a conference call on November 21, 2017, to discuss the PAMA update.
  • 6The press release detailing this information is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the 8-K filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

PAMA, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act, mandated the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish new Medicare reimbursement rates for clinical laboratory tests. The finalized rates published by CMS are expected to reduce Quest Diagnostics' revenue.

Quest Diagnostics expects the finalized PAMA rates to result in an approximate 4% reduction in revenue in 2018, and a more significant approximate 10% reduction in both 2019 and 2020.

Quest Diagnostics scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these matters.

The press release dated November 20, 2017, is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K filing and is incorporated by reference.