Diagnostic Testing & Technology Report

Medicare Part B spending for clinical laboratory services increased to $6.8 billion in 2007, up 1.6 percent from 2006, according to the latest data from the 2008 Medicare Trustees Report. The increase, however, is less than in 2006, when the spending rose 3.7 percent over the total for 2005. Medicare Part B lab spending for 2008 is estimated to grow 3.1 percent to just under $7 billion.