PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Interpace Diagnostics Group (NASDAQ: IDXG) a company that provides clinically useful molecular diagnostic tests and pathology services for evaluating risk of cancer by leveraging the latest technology in personalized medicine for better patient diagnosis and management announced today that its Medicare Administrative Carrier (MAC), Novitas Solutions, has assigned a new molecular CPT code (Current Procedural Terminology), 81479 to its PancraGen™ test for pancreatic cysts.  Prior to this coding change, the test was covered under a miscellaneous chemistry code, 84999, which is used for billing a wide range of tests across the laboratory industry and does not effectively differentiate between technologies that have significantly different features and offer unique benefits to patients with specific diseases. 

"The CPT coding change represents further confirmation from payers that PancraGen is a clinically comprehensive and robust molecular test that provides novel insights to physicians and patients dealing with this life altering disease," said Jack Stover, Interim Chief Executive Officer. "The new coding enables both Interpace Diagnostics and those hospitals that bill Medicare directly to use a molecular code when billing for PancraGen, which could result in incremental reimbursement above the established Diagnosis-Related Group ("DRG") payment for this condition."

The new code is expected to streamline and positively impact the way claims are submitted and remittances are received from both Medicare and Commercial payers.

About Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is often difficult to diagnose in early stages and typically spreads rapidly with signs and symptoms appearing when the cancer is significantly advanced. Because of this, and that complete surgical removal of the pancreas is not possible, pancreatic cancer is considered a leading cause of cancer deaths.

About PancraGen™

PancraGen™ is a pancreatic cyst molecular test that, by using a small sample of pancreatic cyst fluid, can aid in pancreatic cyst diagnosis and pancreatic cancer risk assessment. PancraGen is 90% accurate, according to clinical studies, enabling effective risk stratification of patients.

About Interpace Diagnostics Group, Inc.

Interpace Diagnostics is a company that provides clinically useful molecular diagnostics tests and pathology services for evaluating risk of cancer, leveraging the latest technology and personalized medicine for better patient diagnosis and management. The company currently has three commercialized molecular tests; PancraGen for the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic cancer from pancreatic cysts; ThyGenX, for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer from thyroid nodules utilizing a next generation sequencing assay and ThyraMIR, for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer from thyroid nodules utilizing a proprietary gene expression assay. Interpace Diagnostics mission is to provide personalized medicine through molecular diagnostics and innovation to advance patient care based on rigorous science. 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, relating to our future financial and operating performance. The company has attempted to identify forward looking statements by terminology including "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "intends," "potential," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should," "approximately" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements.  These statements are based on current expectations, assumptions and uncertainties involving judgments about, among other things, future economic, competitive and market conditions and future business decisions, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond company's control. These statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause company's actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to adequately finance the business, the market's acceptance of our molecular diagnostic tests; our ability to secure additional business and generate higher profit margins through sales of our molecular diagnostic tests, in-licensing or other means, projections of future revenues, growth, gross profit and anticipated internal rate of return on investments. Additionally, all forward-looking statements are subject to the risk factors detailed from time to time in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including without limitation, the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2016. Because of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as may be required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

CONTACTS:

Interpace Diagnostics
Investor Relations:
Chris Dailey / Michael Polyviou
EVC Group, Inc.
(646) 445-4800
cdailey@evcgroup.com 

Media:
Dave Schemelia
EVC Group, Inc.
(646)201-5431
dave@evcgroup.com 

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SOURCE Interpace Diagnostics Group, Inc.