Columbia Gastroenterology Associates

Summary Statement of Deficiencies D0000 An announced CLIA onsite recertification survey was conducted at the Columbia Gastroenterology Laboratory on March 17, 2026, by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SC DPH), Bureau of Nursing Homes and Medical Services. The facility was found to be out of compliance with Medicare Condition 42 CFR Part 493. CLIA laboratory requirements. STANDARD level deficiencies were identified during the recertification survey. D5417 TEST SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS, REAGENT CFR(s): 493.1252(d) (d) Reagents, solutions, culture media, control materials, calibration materials, and other supplies must not be used when they have exceeded their expiration date, have deteriorated, or are of substandard quality. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on direct observation, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory failed to ensure test systems and/or equipment being used to process histology tissue samples did not exceed their expiration or are of substandard quality for the 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. During a tour of the laboratory on March 17, 2026, at 3:00 pm the surveyor observed: a. Thermometer with no calibration information b. Timers lacking calibration information c. Thermometer with Floating Bath model XH-1003-220. No documentation for performance verification was available on the day of inspection. 2. Surveyor requested and the laboratory failed to provide verification of performance documentation on equipment used to process histology tissue. 3. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room/breakroom with laboratory director (LD), laboratory consultant and testing personnel (TP) the above findings were confirmed. D6005 LABORATORY DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1407(c) Statement of Deficiencies (X1) Provider/Supplier/CLIA Identification Number (X3) Date Survey Completed Name of Provider or Supplier Street Address, City, State -- 1 of 7 -- (c) The laboratory director must: (c)(1) Be onsite at least once every 6 months, with at least 4 months between the minimum two on-site visits. Laboratory directors may elect to be on-site more frequently and must continue to be accessible to the laboratory to provide telephone or electronic consultation as needed; and (c)(2) Provide documentation of these visits, including evidence of performing activities that are part of the laboratory director responsibilities. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviewed records, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory director failed to provide on-site regular interactions between himself and staff for 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. A review of laboratory records reveals the lack of documentation for laboratory director's on-site visits to demonstrate oversight and continuous compliance with the assessment of laboratory operations. 2. A review of maintenance logs reveals 4 out of 12 months in 2025 no signature of laboratory directors review and/or approval. 3. The surveyor requested and the laboratory failed to provide documentation of the laboratory director's documentation of signed policies and procedures, meeting minutes, or notes of observations. 4. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room /breakroom with LD, laboratory consultant and TP the above findings were confirmed. D6111 TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATIONS CFR(s): 493.1449 (a) The technical supervisor must possess a current license issued by the State in which the laboratory is located, if such licensing is required; and (b) The laboratory may perform anatomic and clinical laboratory procedures and tests in all specialties and subspecialties of services except histocompatibility and clinical cytogenetics services provided the individual functioning as the technical supervisor-- (b)(1) Is a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (b)(2) Is certified in both anatomic and clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology. (c) Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology or Virology- If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, or virology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (c)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (c)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (c)(2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (c)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the applicable microbiology subspecialty; or (c)(3)(i)(A) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (c)(3)(i)(B) Meet the requirements in 493.1443(b)(3) (i)(B); and(c)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months experience in high complexity testing within the subspecialty of bacteriology; -- 2 of 7 -- or (c)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the applicable subspecialty; or (c)(4)(i) (A) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (c)(4)(i) (B)(1) Meet bachelor's degree equivalency; and (c)(4)(i)(B)(2) Have at least 16 semester hours of additional graduate level coursework in chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology; or (c)(4)(i)(C)(1) Meet bachelor's degree equivalency; and (c)(4)(i)(C)(2) Have at least 16 semester hours in a combination of graduate level coursework in biology, chemistry, medical technology, or clinical or medical laboratory science coursework and an approved thesis or research project related to laboratory testing for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of the health of, human beings; and (c)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the applicable subspecialty; or (c)(5)(i)(A) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (c)(5)(i)(B) Have at least 120 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, includes either- (c)(5)(i)(B)(1) 48 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or (c)(5)(i)(B)(2) 48 semester hours of science courses that include- (c)(5)(i)(B)(2)(i) 12 semester hours of chemistry, which must include general chemistry and biochemistry or organic chemistry; (c)(5)(i) (B)(2)(ii) 12 semester hours of biology, which must include general biology and molecular biology, cell biology or genetics; and (c)(5)(i)(B)(2)(iii) 24 semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory science or technology in any combination; and (c)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the specialty of microbiology with a minimum of 6 months of experience in high complexity testing within the applicable subspecialty. (d) Diagnostic Immunology, Chemistry, Hematology, Radiobioassay, or Immunohematology - If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of diagnostic immunology, chemistry, hematology, radiobioassay, or immunohematology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (d)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (d)(1)(ii) Be certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (d) (2)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (d)(2)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the applicable specialty; or (d)(3)(i) (A) Have an earned doctoral degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (d)(3)(i) (B) Meet the education requirement at 493.1443(b)(3)(i)(B); and (d)(3)(ii) Have at least 1 year of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing within the applicable specialty; or (d)(4)(i)(A) Have earned a master's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (d)(4)(i)(B) Meet the education requirement at paragraphs (c)(4)(i)(B) or (C) of this section; and (d)(4)(ii) Have at least 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the applicable specialty; or (d)(5)(i)(A) Have earned a bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or (d)(5)(i)(B) Meet the education requirement at paragraph (c) -- 3 of 7 -- (5)(i)(B) of this section; and (d)(5)(ii) Have at least 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in high complexity testing for the applicable specialty. (e) Cytology- If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of cytology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (e)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (e)(1)(ii) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (e) (2) An individual qualified under paragraph (b) or (e)(1) of this section may delegate some of the cytology technical supervisor responsibilities to an individual who is in the final year of full-time training leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (e)(1)(ii) of this section provided the technical supervisor qualified under paragraph (b) or (e)(1) of this section remains ultimately responsible for ensuring that all of the responsibilities of the cytology technical supervisor are met. (f) Histopathology - If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of histopathology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (f)(1) Meet one of the following requirements: (f)(1)(i)(A) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (f)(1)(i)(B) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (f)(1)(ii) An individual qualified under paragraph (b) or (f)(1) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (f)(1)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of histopathology specimens. (f)(2) For tests in dermatopathology, meet one of the following requirements: (f)(2)(i)(A) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (f) (2)(i)(B) Meet one of the following requirements: (f)(2)(i)(B)(1) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (f)(2)(i)(B)(2) Be certified in dermatopathology by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Pathology; or (f) (2)(i)(B)(3) Be certified in dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology; or (f) (2)(ii) An individual qualified under paragraph (b) or (f)(2)(i) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (f)(2)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of dermatopathology specimens. (f)(3) For tests in ophthalmic pathology, meet one of the following requirements: (f)(3)(i)(A) Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (f)(3)(i)(B) Must meet one of the following requirements: (f)(3)(i)(B)(1) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (f) (3)(i)(B)(2) Be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and have successfully completed at least 1 year of formal post-residency fellowship training in ophthalmic pathology; or (f)(3)(ii) An individual qualified under paragraph (b) or (f) (3)(i) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (f)(3)(i)(B) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of ophthalmic specimens; or (g) Oral Pathology- If the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section are not met and the laboratory performs tests in the subspecialty of oral pathology, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must meet one of the following requirements: (g)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (g) (1)(ii) Be certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or the -- 4 of 7 -- American Osteopathic Board of Pathology; or (g)(2) Be certified in oral pathology by the American Board of Oral Pathology; or (g)(3) An individual qualified under paragraph (b) or (g)(1) or (2) of this section may delegate to an individual who is a resident in a training program leading to certification specified in paragraph (b) or (g) (1) or (2) of this section, the responsibility for examination and interpretation of oral pathology specimens. (h) Histocompatibility - If the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of histocompatibility, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must either- (h)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (h)(1)(ii) Have training or experience that meets one of the following requirements: (h)(1)(ii)(A) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, within the specialty of histocompatibility; or (h)(1)(ii) (B)(1) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of general immunology; and (h)(1)(ii)(B)(2) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of histocompatibility; or (h)(2)(i) Have an earned doctoral degree in a biological, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or meet the education requirement at 493.1443(b)(3)(i)(B); and (h)(2)(ii) Have training or experience that meets one of the following requirements: (h)(2)(ii)(A) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, within the specialty of histocompatibility; or (h)(2)(ii)(B)(1) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of general immunology; and (h)(2)(ii)(B)(2) Have 2 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in the specialty of histocompatibility. (i) Clinical cytogenetics- If the laboratory performs tests in the specialty of clinical cytogenetics, the individual functioning as the technical supervisor must- (i)(1)(i) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, or doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located; and (i)(1)(ii) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in genetics, 2 of which have been in clinical cytogenetics; or (i)(2)(i) Hold an earned doctoral degree in a biological science, including biochemistry, clinical or medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or meet the education requirement at 493.1443(b)(3)(i) (B); and (i)(2)(ii) Have 4 years of laboratory training or experience, or both, in genetics, 2 of which have been in clinical cytogenetics. (j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an individual is considered qualified as a technical supervisor under this section if they were qualified and serving as a technical supervisor for high complexity testing in a CLIA-certified laboratory as of December 28, 2024, and have done so continuously since December 28, 2024. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviewed records, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory director failed to list the technical supervisor (TS) position by name on the Laboratory Personnel Report (CLIA) form for 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. Review of CMS 209 reveals TS position is blank on the day of the survey. 2. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room /breakroom with LD, laboratory consultant and TP the above findings were confirmed. D6120 TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES CFR(s): 493.1451(b)(7)(8) (b)(7) Identifying training needs and assuring that each individual performing tests receives regular in-service training and education appropriate for the type and -- 5 of 7 -- complexity of the laboratory services performed; (b)(8) Evaluating the competency of all testing personnel and assuring that the staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviewed records, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory director/technical supervisor failed to evaluate the competency of all testing personnel assuring that staff maintain their competency to perform test procedures and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently for 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. A review of CMS 209 Laboratory Personnel Report (CLIA) reveals 1 TP. 2. A review of TP personnel records reveals a lack of competency documentation for 2024 and 2025. No competencies were available on the day of inspection. 3. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room/breakroom with LD, laboratory consultant and TP the above findings were confirmed. D6135 CLINICAL CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS CFR(s): 493.1455 The clinical consultant must be qualified to consult with and render opinions to the laboratory's clients concerning the diagnosis, treatment and management of patient care. The clinical consultant must-- (a) Be qualified as a laboratory director under 493. 1443(b)(1), (2), or (3) for the subspecialty of oral pathology, 493.1443(b)(5); or (b) Be a doctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, doctor of podiatric medicine licensed to practice medicine, osteopathy, or podiatry in the State in which the laboratory is located. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviewed records, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory director failed to list the clinical consultant (CC) position by name on the Laboratory Personnel Report (CLIA) form for 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. Review of CMS 209 reveals CC position is blank on the day of the survey. 2. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room /breakroom with LD, laboratory consultant and TP the above findings were confirmed. D6142 GENERAL SUPERVISOR QUALIFICATIONS CFR(s): 493.1461 The laboratory must have one or more general supervisors who, under the direction of the laboratory director and supervision of the technical supervisor, provides day-to- day supervision of testing personnel and reporting of test results. In the absence of the director and technical supervisor, the general supervisor must be responsible for the proper performance of all laboratory procedures and reporting of test results. This STANDARD is not met as evidenced by: Based on reviewed records, lack of documentation, and staff interview, the laboratory director failed to list the general supervisor (GS) position by name on the Laboratory Personnel Report (CLIA) form for 2 out of 2 years reviewed (2024 and 2025). Findings included: 1. Review of CMS 209 reveals GS position is blank on the day of -- 6 of 7 -- the survey. 2. In an interview on March 17, 2026, at 3:18 pm in the conference room /breakroom with LD, laboratory consultant and TP the above findings were confirmed. -- 7 of 7 --