UnitedHealthcare Designated Diagnostic Provider (DDP) Program

On May 11, 2021, UnitedHealthcare announced changes to its Designated Diagnostic Provider (DDP) program. Under the updated DDP program, an in-network laboratory would be paid at the lowest available tier if the laboratory is not part of the DDP program. Outpatient independent laboratory services would only be covered at the highest benefit level if provided by an in-network laboratory that applies for and is accepted into the DDP program. After concerns were raised by NILA, and the American Hospital Association (AHA), UHC delayed implementation until January 2022 and revised aspects of the program. More recently, a half dozen physician groups asked UHC to discontinue its DDP program.

NILA Advocacy

June 3, 2021
NILA and the American Hospital Association (AHA) forward a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) urging NAIC to oppose implementation of the UHC DDP program. Read the NILA / AHA Letter to NAIC President David Altmaier