ANCO Online ListServ: 2008

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

ASCO News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASCO NEWS****
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) have recently reported a shortage of cisplatin 1 mg/mL injections. The shortage has been reported by the three manufacturers; Bedford, Teva, and APP. APP currently has some availability, and Teva is on backorder with an expected release date sometime in January 2009. At this time Bedford is backordered and no release date is being provided.

The shortage of Leucovorin remains and no additional information on the manufacturing delays or release dates have been provided by Bedford or Teva.

More detailed information on these shortages can be found at the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/shortages/default.htm#Current and the ASHP website at http://www.ashp.org/DrugShortages/Current/.

Monday, December 29, 2008

ACCC & ANCO News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published today and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_12-29-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

UnitedHealthcare Changes Requirement Related to Herceptin Coverage

Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting

FDA Approves Gleevec for New Indication

Welcome Aboard to ACCC's Newest Cancer Program Members

ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold

ACCC's Website to Be Upgraded and Improved

Oncology Review Journal Available Online to ACCC Members

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Smoking Cessation, K-ras Testing

ACCC's CE Blackboard: Lung Cancer, Year in Review

Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings

****ANCO NEWS****
The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, & Indiana University present

ASH Highlights 2008
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009; 5:30PM-9:15PM
Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco
(415) 394-1111

The Association of Northern California Oncologists was organized in 1990 to be an advocate for, educate, and inform the practicing oncologist and hematologist and represents 363 oncologists and hematologists throughout Northern California and other states.

ASH Highlights 2008 will summarize the major research and treatment advancements presented at December 2008’s ASH Annual Meeting. The program will focus on surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatment modalities for hematological malignancies. The faculty will place these developments in context as to their immediate clinical utility.

Educational Objectives. At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants were able to:

• Review, summarize, and interpret important clinical results presented at the 2008 ASH Annual Meeting for surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists; oncology nurses; and, other health care professionals.

• Comprehend and implement of changes in treatment for hematological malignancies.

Target Audience. ASH Highlights 2008 has been designed to meet the educational needs of oncologists, oncology nurses, oncology pharmacists, and other health care professionals involved in the care of people with hematological malignancies.

Accreditation Statement and Designation of Credit. This activity was planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO). The Indiana University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Indiana University School of Medicine designated this educational activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The California Board of Registered Nurses accepts courses approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits as meeting the continuing education requirements for renewal.

Disclosure Statement. In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support, educational programs sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. All faculty, authors, editors, and Planning Committee members participating in an IUSM-sponsored activity are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.

Program Planning Committee. The Physician Course Director for ASH Highlights 2008 is Steven Coutre, M.D., Stanford Univ. Dr. Coutre was assisted by the ANCO Board of Directors (Richard A. Bohannon, M.D., Norman Cohen, M.D., Jeffrey Cronk, M.D., Bradley Ekstrand, M.D., Ellie Guardino, M.D., Ph.D., John A. Keech, Jr., D.O., L. Wayne Keiser, M.D., Primo Lara, Jr., M.D., Daniel P. Mirda, M.D., Bimal J. Patel, M.D., Robert L. Robles, M.D., and Antoine Sayegh, M.D.) and Group and Institutional Member contacts (George Fisher, M.D., David Gandara, M.D., Joseph Mason, M.D., Hope Rugo, M.D., and Margaret Tempero, M.D.) in the selection of the faculty for ASH Highlights 2008..

Content Consultant. The Indiana University School of Medicine content consultant was Larry D. Cripe, M.D., Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology.

Agenda & Faculty
5:30PM Registration, Exhibits, & Dinner (available through 7:00PM)

6:00PM Welcome, Introductions, & Talks
Richard A. Bohannon, M.D., ANCO President
Steven E. Coutre, M.D., Program Moderator, Stanford Univ.

Leukemia
Bruno Carneiro de Medeiros, M.D., Stanford Univ.

Lymphoma
Joseph Tuscano, M.D., Univ. of California, Davis

Multiple Myeloma
Steven E. Coutre, M.D., Stanford Univ.

Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Jason R. Gotlib, M.D., Stanford Univ.

9:15PM Adjourn

Acknowledgment of Commercial Support. Support for this educational activity is anticipated in part from Alaven, biogenIDEC, Celgene, Cephalon Oncology, Eisai, Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Genentech BioOncology, Genzyme Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline Oncology, Millennium, Ortho Biotech, and possibly others (as of the date of this mailing). The final list of supporters will be available at the meeting.

Download the meeting announcement/registration form at www.anco-online.org/ash.html.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

ASH, NCCN, & UHC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update was published recently and is available online at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice. This edition features:

President-Elect Obama Nominates Daschle for HHS Secretary

Medicare Releases E-Prescribing Measure

New Report Analyzes 2007 PQRI Program Reporting Experience

ASH Submits Comments in Support of Iron Serum Study NCD

ASH Launches New Practice Page

Value-Based Purchasing Plan for Physicians Under Development at CMS

****NCCN NEWS****
NOW ON LINE! Northern California Cancer Center’s 2nd Annual Cancer Survivorship Conference held on November 8, 2008

To listen to and view go to www.nccc.org. and click on “Program Presentations” or http://www.nccc.org/site/c.foJNIXOyEpH/b.2913703/

Another Multiple Choice Test
Joan Venticinque, Cancer Survivor

Psychosocial Issues
Jeremy E. Bornstein, PhD, CPMC

A Life on Hold
Gregg Timmons, Cancer Survivor

Medical Issues
Sandra Horning, MD/Stanford

Transitioning from Oncologist to Primary Care Doctor
Judy Luce, MD/UCSF

Please mark your calendars! The 3rd Annual Post-Treatment Cancer Survivorship Conference is scheduled for November 14, 2009.

****UHC NEWS****
UnitedHealthcare is removing the requirement to submit a pathology report to obtain coverage for trastuzumab. This change will be effective for claims submitted after 1/1/2009.

Herceptin claims that were submitted in 2008 that are pending payment will require the submission of the pathology report showing over expression of the HER2 gene. The pathology reports should be faxed to 915-231-1970 and you should use the dedicated fax cover sheet.

Herceptin claims submitted after 1/1/2009 will continue to be subjected to two reimbursement policies that may impact the reimbursement. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) policy and the Maximum Dosage Edit policy both review Herceptin claims. Both of these policies are posted on the unitedhealthcareonline web site.

UnitedHealthcare launched the Herceptin policy in early 2006 based on an audit showing that 12 percent of the patients being treated with trastuzumab did not have over-expression of the HER2 gene. Our last audit in September 2008, demonstrated that less than 1 percent of the submissions failed to show over- expression.

Our medical policy hasn’t changed – treatment of patients with under-expression is still inappropriate. We believe the recent audit demonstrates that this quality parameter is being followed and no longer requires the quality check.

There are other critical issues with HER2 gene expression testing. Studies show that concordance between local laboratories and a central laboratory with quality controls can be poor. The College of American Pathology has established accreditation for HER2 gene testing, but participation in the accreditation process is voluntary. UnitedHealthcare contracts with two national laboratories, Genezyme and Lab Corporation that meet the ASCO / CAP guideline recommendations and proficiency testing for HER2. We encourage the use of laboratories that meet these standards. If you don’t know the accreditation status of your current lab for HER2, we would encourage retesting, or a second opinion, from either of these laboratories for your UnitedHealthcare patients.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
Beginning December 19, 2008, the names of physicians and other health care professionals who reported quality information under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) in 2007 will be available at www.medicare.gov\physician, the Physician and Other Healthcare Professional Directory located on www.medicare.gov. This information includes all eligible professionals identified by their National Provider Identifier (NPI) who submitted at least one quality data code on their Medicare claims for services furnished between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007.

The PQRI is a voluntary reporting program. A physician or other healthcare professional can choose whether to report quality information to Medicare under the PQRI program. Reporting quality information by professionals is an important means to promote improved quality of care to Medicare beneficiaries. There are, however, numerous reasons why physicians or other healthcare professionals, who are committed to providing high quality care to their patients, may have chosen not to report quality information under the PQRI Program which began in 2007.

For more information on the PQRI and the instructions for reporting and requirements for satisfactory reporting, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri.
Detailed information on the 2009 PQRI may be found in the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule with comment period (73 FR 69817 through 69847) that was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008. The final rule with comment period can be found in the “Related Links Outside of CMS” section of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative website at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-26213.pdf on the CMS website.

Reporting for the 2009 PQRI begins January 1, 2009. Please note there is no need to sign up or pre-register in order to participate.

ACCC, ASCO, & CMA News

Saturday, December 20, 2008

ASCO, CMS, DHCS/MediCal, & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

All ANCO Online LIstServ postings are archived at the ANCO Online ListSev blog available at http://anco-online.blogspot.com/.

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe591578736405747c10&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2f167172660174711472. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

NIH Funding Appropriations Update

Update on Medicare Payment Provisions

Status of Legislation to Coordinate Treatment Care Planning

Update on E-Prescribing Initiatives

Genetic Nondiscrimination Bill Signed Into Law

ASCO Oncology Workforce Initiatives Update

Review of ESA Label Revisions

FDA Recognizes ASCO for Partnership on Critical Path Initiative

Update on Insurance Coverage of Clinical Trials

QOPI Update

Update on Expanded Access to Unapproved Drugs

Four Physicians Join the 111th Congress

President-elect Obama's Transition Team Reaches Out to Public on Health Care

ASCO Issues New Clinical Practice Guidelines

ASCO Creates Generic Chemotherapy Treatment Plan and Summary

ASCO Designs Modifiable Chemotherapy Consent Form

ASCO Issues Statement and Practice Resources on Exemplary Clinical Trial Site Attributes

ASCO Released EHR Field Guide

****CMS NEWS****
The transcript of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Physicians that was held on November 17, 2008 is now available at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/Downloads/November17calltranscript.pdf .

CMS has updated the ICD-10 download files by posting the 2009 version of the following documents at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/02_ICD-10-PCS.asp :
• ICD-10 General Equivalence Mappings (these refer to procedure codes)
• Reimbursement mappings and guides for the use of the Mappings
• 2009 version of ICD-10-Procedure Coding System (PCS)
• ICD-10 version of the digestive Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG)

The 2009 ICD-10-CM (Diagnosis codes) General Equivalence Mappings have been posted at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/03_ICD_10_CM.asp .

The 2009 version of ICD-10-Clinical Modifications (CM), Diagnoses, will be posted by the end of December 2008 on the following sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd9.htm
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/03_ICD_10_CM.asp

If you are unable to access any of the hyperlinks in this message, please copy and paste the URL into your Internet browser.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the release of the detailed specifications for the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) measures and the 2009 PQRI measures groups. The following resources have been posted to the PQRI webpage on the CMS website:

2009 PQRI Quality Measure Specifications Manual and Release Notes- Contains the detailed specifications (including codes and reporting instructions) for the 153 2009 PQRI quality measures for claims or registry-based reporting and a summary of the changes from the 2008 PQRI Measure Specifications (in the form of release notes delineated by measure number).

2009 PQRI Implementation Guide - Provides guidance about how to implement 2009 PQRI claims-based reporting of measures to facilitate satisfactory reporting of quality data codes by eligible professionals for the 2009 PQRI.

2009 PQRI Measures Group Specifications Manual and Release Notes- Contains the detailed specifications and instructions for the seven (7) 2009 PQRI measures groups and a summary of the changes from the 2008 PQRI Measures Groups Specifications (in the form of release notes).

Getting Started with 2009 PQRI Reporting of Measures Groups - Provides guidance about implementing the 2009 PQRI measures groups.

To access the 2009 PQRI Quality Measure Specifications Manual and Release Notes, the 2009 PQRI Implementation Guide, the 2009 PQRI Measures Group Specifications Manual and Release Notes, or the Getting Started with 2009 PQRI Reporting of Measures Groups, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/15_MeasuresCodes.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website. Once on the Measure/Codes page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the appropriate link.

Please note that the 2009 PQRI quality measure specifications for any given quality measure may be different from specifications for the same quality measure used in 2008. Therefore, specifications for all 2009 PQRI quality measures, whether or not included in the 2008 PQRI program, must be obtained from the 2009 PQRI Quality Measure Specifications Manual.

In addition, measures group specifications are different from the specifications for individually reported measures that form the group. Therefore, the specifications and reporting instructions for the 2009 PQRI measures groups must be obtained from the 2009 PQRI Measures Group Specifications Manual.

Reporting for the 2009 PQRI begins January 1, 2009. Please note there is no need to sign up or pre-register in order to participate.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce a new section page on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative web page. The “Spotlight” section page can be accessed on PQRI web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/ on the CMS website and click on the Spotlight tab. The “Spotlight” page is updated frequently and was created to alert eligible professionals to the newest program information available on the PQRI web page.

Detailed information on the 2009 PQRI may be found in the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule with comment period (73 FR 69817 through 69847) that was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008. The final rule with comment period can be found in the “Related Links Outside of CMS” section of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative website at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-26213.pdf on the CMS website.

****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
Effective for dates of service on or after February 1, 2009, providers may no longer bill Medi-Cal using a recipient’s Social Security Number (SSN). Claims submitted with a recipient’s SSN will be denied. All exemptions to this policy are discontinued except for Medicare crossover claims. Providers may continue to bill Medicare crossover claims using the recipient’s SSN.

Claims submitted with a valid nine-digit Client Index Number will continue to be accepted. However, all providers are expected to use the Medi-Cal identification number from the recipient’s Benefits Identification Card (BIC) or paper ID card when verifying eligibility, billing Medi-Cal or submitting Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs).

Medi-Cal recognizes the importance of protecting the identity and health information of recipients and strongly encourages all providers to avoid using a recipient’s SSN whenever possible.

This notice has been published on the Medi-Cal Web site, http://www.medi-cal.ca.gov/, as a link from the home page Newsroom section.

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
12/18/08 Part B LCD Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~121808%20Part%20B%20LCD%20Update?opendocument

This is the 12/18/08 Part B LCD Update. It contains Ambulance Services
(J1B-08-0007-L), Cardiovascular Nuclear Medicine: Myocardial Perfusion
Imaging & Cardiac Blood Pool Studies (J1B-08-0018-L), Category III CPT
Codes (J1B-08-0020-L), Diabetes Mellitus Therapy Using Hepatic Activation
or PIVIT Therapy (J1B-08-0024-L), Genetic Testing (J1B-08-0036-L),
Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogs (J1B-08-0046-L), Intravenous Immune
Globulin IVIg, J1B-08-0047-L), Psychotherapy Services (J1B-08-0066-L),
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (J1B-08-0079-L) and Nervous System
Studies- Autonomic Function, Nerve Conduction and Electromyography
(J1B-08-0054-L).

January 2009 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Publications~Medicare%20Advisory~January%202009%20J1%20AB%20MAC%20Medicare%20Advisory?opendocument

The January 2009 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory is now available to be viewed
on the Palmetto GBA Web site.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available the Medicare Part B Drug and Biological Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Amounts for January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009 on the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/01a1_2009aspfiles.asp#TopOfPage. The files are located in the "Downloads" section of this web page.

ACCC News

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Oncology ERx Demo

The following e-Prescribing demonstration is being made available for ANCO members by OnPoint.

Roberta Buell invites you to participate as an attendee in the following online training session:

Topic: Oncology ERx Demo
Host: Roberta Buell
Date: Monday, December 22, 2008
Time: 11:00AM Pacific Standard Time
Session number: 576 823 503
Session password: queenb

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To join the training session
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1. Go to https://shp.webex.com/shp/k2/j.php?ED=116139172&UID=1042670477
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the session password: queenb
4. Click "Join Now".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

Note: You can view more information about the session at https://shp.webex.com/shp/k2/j.php?ED=116139172&UID=1042670477.

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To join the teleconference only
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Call-in toll-free number (US/Canada):
866-469-3239
Global call-in numbers: https://shp.webex.com/shp/globalcallin.php?serviceType=TC&ED=116139172&tollFree=1
Show toll-free dialing restrictions: http://www.webex.com/pdf/tollfree_restrictions.pdf

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For assistance
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You can contact Roberta Buell at:
bbuell@covad.net
1-800-795-2633

To add this meeting to your calendar program (for example Microsoft Outlook), click this link:
https://shp.webex.com/shp/k2/j.php?AT=down&ED=116139172&EF=MA&UUID=1042670477&SHA2=rkuXDWcz9nPwRwYzmMJVFWoGl/G70EceT2MHqRgMfkg=

EVERY provider in Oncology can benefit from e-prescribing and ALL can participate - it is an easy additional revenue stream for every practice large and small. According to the CMS call a few weeks ago – a “qualified” product (see below) must be CCHIT 2008 certified – at present there is still no Oncology specific EMR’s (if they have one) that has achieved this certification yet. OnPoint has researched all solutions thoroughly and we are endorsing and helping to build www.oncologyerx.com. There is a demo on the site. This product is no more than the Allscripts e-prescribing module carved out as a stand alone, web-based (ASP) application. It is tried and true (been used in practices for over 10 years) and has been rated the best e-prescribing module for ANY EMR (including Next-Gen and all the rest that are not really in the Oncology space). It is an excellent product and was hand-picked by a diverse panel of experts. The overall initiative is being sponsored by some major
companies including Cisco, Microsoft, etc. who all believe as we do – that e-prescribing is good medicine – check this page out - http://www.nationalerx.com/sponsors.htm to see the list if interested.

Behind the scenes:
Smart ID out of Grand Rapids, Mi (also a large Oncology practice) is a sponsor of this initiative. You may already recognize them – they have been in business for about 6 years and they are the current vehicle by which oral drug dispensing systems are installed into Oncology practices – they do all the credentialing, software installation, etc. so the progression to this was natural – they acquired the rights to this free product in Oncology and are hosting this as vehicle for our practices. OnPoint Oncology and Smart ID will build additional oncology specific functionality on top of an already excellent platform.

The problem:
Oncology is very late, when compared to other specialties, to adopt e-prescribing technology because the oncology space is very difficult for technology companies to tackle. Oncology EMR companies have not had the functionality to support e-prescribing and no physician has had much incentive to e-prescribe until now. Even still, only about 15% all oncology practices have EMR’s and at present everyone’s only true alternative will be to purchase one (average price is $10,000) or use this free one. The offices are scrambling – onPoint has done much research to determine that this is one of the few times EVER that free is really free - Thanks Bill Gates - Technical stuff below…

THE TECHNICAL STUFF:
Medicare has updated their document explaining the E-prescribing incentive program. It is titled “Medicare’s Practical Guide to the E-prescribing Incentive Program.” It can be found here:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/11399.pdf

Oncologyerx.com meets all the requirements of a qualified system found on page 7 of the guide.
The requirements of a qualified E-prescribing system are:
1. Generate a complete medication list that incorporates data from pharmacies and benefit managers (if available)
2. Select medications, transmit prescriptions electronically* using the applicable standards, and warn the prescriber of possible undesirable or unsafe situations
3. Provide information on lower-cost, therapeutically-appropriate alternatives (for 2009, tiered formulary information, if available, meets this requirement)
4. Provide information on formulary or tiered formulary medications, patient eligibility, and authorization requirements received electronically from the patient’s drug plan
Another requirement of a qualified system is to be able to send the prescription electronically. Oncologyerx.com supports this functionality as well.

Sign up at http://www.oncologyerx.com today to earn an additional 2% from Medicare!

CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
Registration will close at 3:30 p.m. EST, December 15, 2008, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.

2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
National Provider Question & Answer Session

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the ninth in a series of national provider conference calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., EST, on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.

Following a short presentation on the final PQRI 2007 reporting experience and a discussion of results from 2007, the lines will be opened to allow participants to ask questions of CMS PQRI subject matter experts.

Educational products are available on the PQRI dedicated web page located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website, in the Educational Resources section.

Feel free to download the resources prior to the call so that you may ask questions of the presenters, Dr. Michael Rapp and Dr. Daniel Green.

Conference call details:

Date: December 16, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m. EST

In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation. If you cannot attend the call, replay information is available below.

Registration will close at 3:30 p.m. EST on December 15, 2008, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.

To register for the call participants need to go to http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/121608

Fill in all required data.

Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.

Click "Register".

You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.

For those of you who will be unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 4:00 p.m. EST 12/16/2008 until 11:59 p.m. EST 12/23/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 76618434.

If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Estimate the Impact of 2009 Medicare Fees

The following information has been received by ANCO.

As you know, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2009 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). This new fee schedule implements the 1.1% increase in physician services reimbursement that Congress mandated in the Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 Medicare bill, also known as MIPPA. On the surface, this was a short-term positive because it averted a 10.6% cut in services reimbursement, and replaced it with a slated increase of 1.1%. However, the devil is in the details at CMS. That is why we are providing a tool that will help you estimate the impact of the Medicare changes for 2009.

Go to the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) website at http://www.communityoncology.org and log into the Administrators’ Network temporary area. You can download the tool, which was developed and tested by actual community oncology practices as part of the COA Administrators’ Network in development. The tool will show you the impact on E&M and drug administration revenue, as well as the impact of bonus payments if you participate in the PQRI and/or e-prescribing programs.

In order to actually increase services payments by 1.1%, the Medicare PFS conversion factor decreases from $38.09 in 2008 to $36.07 in 2009, while the physician work value units increase by approximately 12%. The net is that E&M revenues will increase; however, oncology-specific drug administration codes will go down.

The PQRI bonus has been increased to 2% of services in 2009 and the new e-prescribing bonus is an additional 2% beginning in 2009.

The fact that drug administration fees will decrease in 2009 is simply ludicrous. This is the problem with blindly supporting increases to the Medicare PFS that can adversely impact community oncology.

As a result, COA has launched the most comprehensive study ever undertaken to identify and quantify the clinical and operational components of delivering cancer care. A committee drawn from the ranks of medical oncologists, mid-level providers, nurses, pharmacists, and administrators is advising one of the top healthcare policy and research firms in the country, which has been commissioned by COA. Community oncology practices from across the country will be asked to participate in this landmark study for community oncology. The data gathered will be instrumental in supporting a massive outreach program to the new Administration and Congress being developed by COA. More information on this study will be provided shortly.

ANCO's San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008

The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) & Indiana University present

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009; 5:30PM-9:15PM
Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco
(415) 394-1111

The Association of Northern California Oncologists was organized in 1990 to be an advocate for, educate, and inform the practicing oncologist and hematologist and represents 363 oncologists and hematologists throughout Northern California and other states.

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008 will summarize the major research and treatment advancements presented at December 2008’s San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The faculty will focus on surgical, radiation, and medical oncology treatment modalities and place these developments in context as to their immediate clinical utility.

At the conclusion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Review, summarize, and interpret important clinical results presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium for surgical, radiation, and medical oncologists; oncology nurses; and, other health care professionals.

• Comprehend and implement changes in surgical, radiological, and medical treatment for breast cancer.

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008 has been designed to meet the educational needs of oncologists, oncology nurses, oncology pharmacists, and other health care professionals involved in the care of people with breast cancer.

Accreditation Statement and Designation of Credit. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO). The Indiana University School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Indiana University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The California Board of Registered Nurses accepts courses approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ as meeting the continuing education requirements for renewal.

Disclosure Statement. In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) Standards for Commercial Support, educational programs sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) must demonstrate balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor. All faculty, authors, editors, and Planning Committee members participating in an IUSM-sponsored activity are required to disclose any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) and/or provider(s) of commercial services that are discussed in an educational activity.

Program Planning Committee. The Physician Course Director for San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008 is Helen K. Chew, M.D., Univ. of California, Davis. Dr. Chew was assisted by the ANCO Board of Directors (Richard A. Bohannon, M.D., Norman Cohen, M.D., Jeffrey Cronk, M.D., Bradley Ekstrand, M.D., Ellie Guardino, M.D., Ph.D., John A. Keech, Jr., D.O., L. Wayne Keiser, M.D., Primo Lara, Jr., M.D., Daniel P. Mirda, M.D., Bimal J. Patel, M.D., Robert L. Robles, M.D., and Antoine Sayegh, M.D.,) and Group and Institutional Member contacts (George Fisher, M.D., David Gandara, M.D., Joseph Mason, M.D., Hope Rugo, M.D., and Margaret Tempero, M.D.) in the selection of the faculty for San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Highlights 2008.

Content Consultant. The Indiana University School of Medicine content consultant is Bryan Schneider, M.D.

Agenda & Faculty
5:30PM Registration, Exhibits, & Dinner (available through 7:00PM)
6:00PM Welcome, Introductions, & Talks (Richard A. Bohannon, M.D., ANCO President, & Helen K. Chew, M.D., Program Moderator, Univ. of California, Davis)
• Surgical Oncology (Michael Alvarado, M.D., Univ. of California, San Francisco)
• Radiation Oncology (Allen Chen, M.D., Univ. of California, Davis)
• Medical Oncology (Ellie Guardino, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford Univ.)
9:15PM Adjourn

Acknowledgment of Commercial Support. Support for this educational activity is anticipated in part from Abraxis Oncology, Agendia, AstraZeneca, Celgene, Cephalon Oncology, Eisai, Genentech BioOncology, GlaxoSmithKline Oncology, Ortho Biotech, Pfizer Oncology, Roche Oncology, Sanofi Aventis Oncology, and possibly others (as of the date of this mailing). The final list of supporters will be available at the meeting.

Download the meeting announcement/registration form at www.anco-online.org/sabcs.html.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

ASCO News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published today and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5a157870660075751d&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3416717360057e771c70. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Update on ASCO's Electronic Prescribing Web site

ASCO Launches Health Information Technology Social Networking Site

FDA Issues Q&A on Medication Guides for ESAs

Diversity in Oncology Initiative Accepting Applications Starting December 15

ASCO/AMA Survey Update

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

ACCC, ASCO, CMA, CMS, & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6b15787064007c7515&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf712797765047476177577&l=fe6315757666067a7d14&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe26167173650d74701272. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Deadline to Receive a Discounted Registration Rate for the 2009 GI Cancers Symposium: Dec. 12

Cancer Policy Alert: Congress Likely to Take Up Additional NIH Funding After Recess; Prepare for Coding Changes in the New Year

Read the Newest JCO Original Report on a New Chemical Entity that Arrests Cancer Cells

Check Out the Newest JOP feature, "Continued Regulatory Actions Affecting the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)"

Letters of Intent Submission-Deadline Extended to Dec. 11 for the 2009 ACRAs

Application Deadline Approaching for the 2009 IDEA Grant

Application Deadline Approaching for the 2009 ASCO Loan Repayment Program, Funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Application Deadline Approaching for the 2009 Translational Research Professorship

Early Registration Deadline Approaching for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium

Review the ASCO State/Regional Affiliates Calendar of Events

Cancer.Net Features: Traveling With Cancer

Cancer.Net Features: Evidence-based Medicine in Cancer Care

Cancer.Net Podcasts: Cancer and the Holidays

****CMA NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published today and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_12-08-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

A Few Seats Still Available for ACCC's Hospital Summit: at Only $169, Don't Miss It!

Hospitals See Continuing Profit Decline on Medicare Patients, Says MedPAC Staff

Study Finds Changes in Medicare Reimbursement for ESAs Associated with Increased Need for Blood Transfusion

Men with Wives, Significant Others More likely to be Screened for Prostate Cancer

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Position Description for a Radiation Oncology Nurse

Save the Date: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting

ACCC's CE Blackboard: Breast Cancer Concepts

Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings

****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. It features:

CMA Sponsors Bill to Stop Unfair Health Insurance Cancellation

It's Time to Make Medicare Participation Decisions for 2009

CMA Supports Regulations to Reduce Diesel Emissions

Superior Court Upholds DMHC "Balance Billing" Regulation

CMA RICO Victory: HealthNet Sends Contract Addendums to Physicians

Deadline to Request CPPI Quality Data Is 12/16

State Will Take Up Family PACT Issue with New Administrator

Benefit of the Week: Group Dental Insurance

****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the ninth in a series of national provider conference calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., EST, on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.

Following a short presentation on the final PQRI 2007 reporting experience and a discussion of results from 2007, the lines will be opened to allow participants to ask questions of CMS PQRI subject matter experts.

Educational products are available on the PQRI dedicated web page located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website, in the Educational Resources section.

Feel free to download the resources prior to the call so that you may ask questions of the presenters, Dr. Michael Rapp and Dr. Daniel Green.

Conference call details:

Date: December 16, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m. EST

In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation. If you cannot attend the call, replay information is available below.

Registration will close at 3:30 p.m. EST on December 15, 2008, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.

To register for the call participants need to go to http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/121608

Fill in all required data.

Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.

Click "Register".

You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.

For those of you who will be unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 4:00 p.m. EST 12/16/2008 until 11:59 p.m. EST 12/23/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 76618434.

If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that two (2) new educational resources on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) have been posted to the PQRI webpage on the CMS website.

2009 PQRI Quality Measure List- This reference list outlines the 153 quality measures which were published in the in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) 2009 final rule on November 19, 2008. To access the 2009 PQRI Quality Measure list, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/15_MeasuresCodes.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website. Once on the Measure/Codes page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the “2009 PQRI Quality Measures List” link.

The detailed measure specifications will be available on this webpage on or before December 31, 2008.

Registry Requirements for Submission of 2009 PQRI Data on Behalf of Eligible Professionals- This document describes the high-level requirements for a registry to qualify to submit under the registry-based reporting alternatives for 2009. This document also outlines how a registry can become qualified for 2009 data submission. To access the Registry Requirements for Submission of 2009 PQRI Data on Behalf of Eligible Professionals document, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/20_Reporting.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website. Once on theReporting page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the “Registry Requirements for Submission of 2009 PQRI Data on Behalf of Eligible Professionals” link.

To qualify to submit data on behalf of eligible professionals seeking incentive payments for 2009, registries are required to go through a self-nomination and vetting process if they are new to PQRI registry reporting or to notify CMS of their desire to continue PQRI data submission in 2009 if they were qualified in 2008. Selected registries must meet certain technical and other requirements specified by CMS.

Detailed information on the 2009 PQRI, including the 2009 Registry Requirements, may be found in the final 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule with comment period (73 FR 69817 through 69847) that was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008. The final rule with comment period can be found in the “Related Links Outside of CMS” section of the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative website at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-26213.pdf on the CMS website.

The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) is pleased to announce the availability of the Advanced Practice Nursing & Physician Assistants (APN/PA) web page. This dedicated web page is for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) advanced practice nurses and physician assistants who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries.

From this web page, you will be able to access and peruse the Medicare FFS program topics in order to keep abreast of policy and operational updates specific to Advanced Practice Nurses and Physician Assistants.

One of the educational resources featured on this webpage is the "Advanced Practice Nurse/Physician Assistant Web-Based Training Program" – this interactive web-based training program provides definitions of the Advanced Practice Nursing/Physician Assistant provider types; outlines the qualifications of the Advanced Practice Nursing/Physician Assistant provider types; describes collaboration/supervision requirements for Advanced Practice Nursing/Physician Assistant Medicare reimbursements; lists the Medicare billing requirements for Advanced Practice Nursing and Physician Assistants; and identifies links to Medicare manuals and other resources.

This web page is updated on a regular basis, so check it often for timely and reliable information from MLN.

For more information, visit the web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/70_APNPA.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website.

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Medicare Part B Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): CAP Claims
Submission Deadlines and Unused CAP Drugs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Medicare%20Part%20B%20Competitive%20Acquisition%20Program%20(CAP):%20CAP%20Claims%20Submission%20Deadlines%20and%20Unused%20CAP%20Drugs?opendocument

In preparation for the 2009 CAP postponement, this article is a reminder
about upcoming CAP deadlines. It is very important that participating CAP
physicians understand and comply with these deadlines because failure to do
so will affect physicians' ability to be reimbursed.

Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): CAP Post
Payment Review in 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Medicare%20Part%20B%20Drug%20Competitive%20Acquisition%20Program%20(CAP):%20CAP%20Post%20Payment%20Review%20in%202009?opendocument

After January 1, 2009, the CAP post payment review process will continue
for 2008 claims. The post payment review process for the CAP is conducted
to verify drug administration for Medicare claims submitted by an Approved
CAP Vendor. For this process, a small sample of physician and Vendor claims
and other documentation is examined in order to establish that drugs billed
by an Approved CAP Vendor were administered and were medically necessary.

Time Limit for Filing Medicare Claims
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Ohio%20Part%20B%20Carrier~Publications~Physician-Supplier%20Guide~Claims%20Filing:%20Medicare~Time%20Limit%20for%20Filing%20Medicare%20Claims?opendocument

Medicare law designates specific time limits for submitting claims for
physician and other Part B services. The terms of the law require that a
claim be filed no later than the end of the calendar year following the
year in which the service was furnished. Exceptions are outlined in this
article.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

CMS & US Oncology Physician Services News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that the specifications for the E-Prescribing measure, which will be used to determine whether an eligible professional is a successful E-Prescriber and may qualify for a 2% incentive payment for the 2009 reporting period, has been posted to the CMS website. The measure specifications may be found in the “Downloads” section of the E-Prescribing Incentive Program webpage at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/03_EPrescribingIncentiveProgram.asp#TopOfPage on the CMS website.

An eligible professional does not have to enroll in order to participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program. Furthermore, an eligible professional does not need to participate in PQRI in order to participate in this incentive program.

Beginning January 1, 2009, eligible professionals may participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program by submitting information required by the E-Prescribing measure on their Medicare Part B claims.

Detailed information on the implementation of the E-Prescribing Incentive Program for 2009 may be found in the final 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule with comment period that was published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008. A copy of the final rule with comment period is on display at the Federal Register and can be viewed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp on the CMS website.

The revised Facilitator's Guide - Companion to Medicare Physician Guide: A Resource for Residents, Practicing Physicians, and Other Health Care Professionals (October 2008) is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network. This publication, which includes all the information and instructions necessary to prepare for and present a Medicare Resident, Practicing Physician, and Other Health Care Professional Training Program including instructions for facilitators, customization guide, a PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes, pre- and post-assessments, master assessment answer keys, and evaluation tools, may be accessed at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/MPUB/list.asp.

The ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System Fact Sheet, which provides general information about the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS) including benefits of adopting the new coding system, structural differences between ICD-9 CM and ICD-10-CM/PCS, and implementation planning recommendations, is now available in print format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network. To place your order, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/01_Overview.asp, scroll down to “Related Links Inside CMS” and select “MLN Product Ordering Page.”

****US Oncology Physician Services news****
US Oncology Physician Services is an ANCO Corporate Member. US Oncology Physician Services is hosting a webcast entitled Legislative, Regulatory, and Community Action Update on Thursday, December 11th, at 12PM. This interactive webcast will discuss the impact of the new administration on healthcare and oncology; provide an update on policy, laws, and regulations; and, highlight changes to expect in 2009. Visit www.opspharmacist.com/opes for more information and to register.

Monday, December 1, 2008

ACCC News

Thursday, November 27, 2008

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
Physicians and Other Health Professionals Value-Based Purchasing Issues Paper Posted
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the Issues Paper that is part of the development of a Plan to transition to a Medicare Value-Based Purchasing Program for physician and other professional services, as required by Section 131(d) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). The Issues Paper is posted on the CMS Website Physician Center Spotlights at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp.

This Issues Paper will be the basis of a Listening Session to be held at the CMS Central Facility on December 9, 2008, from 10 AM EST to 4 PM EST. The notice for this meeting was published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2008. Physicians and other professionals, their associations, health care purchasers, consumers, and all other interested parties are invited to participate, in person or by calling in to the teleconference. The issues identified and discussed during this meeting will assist CMS in developing options for the Plan. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to space and teleconference lines available.

Interested parties are reminded that to participate, either in person or by teleconference, on‑line registration is required via the CMS website at: http://registration.intercall.com/go/cms2. Registration will close at 5 PM EST on Tuesday, December 2, 2008.

Written comments or statements on the Issues Paper are welcome and may be sent via email toPhysicianVBP@cms.hhs.gov; faxed to 410-786-8005; or sent via regular mail to: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Mail Stop C5-15-02, Attn: Physician VBP Comments. All persons planning to make a statement in person at the Listening Session are urged to submit statements in writing during the Listening Session and should subsequently submit the information electronically. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5 PM EST on Tuesday, December 16, 2008.

For further information regarding the December 9, 2008 Listening Session, contact Robin Phillips, at 410-786-3010 in the Provider Communications Group. Inquiries may also be sent via e‑mail to mpf@cms.hhs.gov

Listening Session Format
The Listening Session will consider the key design issues raised in the Issues Paper. The session will begin at 10 AM EST with an overview of the objectives for the session and a brief summary of the approach to developing the Plan. Beginning at approximately 10:30 AM EST, the remainder of the meeting will be devoted to presenting and receiving comments on key design and policy issues for each of the major components for the Plan: (1) measures, (2) incentive structure, (3) data strategy and infrastructure, and (4) public reporting. The agenda will provide opportunities for brief 2-minute comments on each of the key issues from on-site session attendees. As time allows, telephone participants will also have the opportunity to provide brief 2-minute comments. A lunch break will occur from approximately 12:15 to 1 PM EST. The meeting will conclude by 4 PM EST with brief comments on next steps.

The final Agenda and copies of the PowerPoint slides to be used in the Listening Session will be posted by 5 PM EST Friday, December 5, 2008, on the CMS Website Physician Center Spotlights at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/physician.asp.

MM6229 – Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC) and Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC) Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6229.pdf

SE0831 – Steps for IACS Defined “Organizations” to Access Their Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Feedback Reports
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0831.pdf

SE0830 – Steps for Eligible Professionals to Access Their Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Feedback Reports
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0830.pdf

Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): Feedback about the CAP – A Special Open Door Forum (ODF) Teleconference on the 2009 CAP Postponement and How to Submit E-mail Comments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is soliciting public feedback about the CAP. CMS is interested in hearing about a range of issues, including, but not limited to:
§ the categories of drugs provided under the CAP
§ the distribution of areas that are served by the CAP
§ procedural changes that may increase the program's flexibility and appeal to potential vendors and physicians.

On December 3, 2008, CMS will host a Special ODF Teleconference to obtain feedback about the program. This teleconference will be a listening session and is intended for current and former participating CAP physicians, potential Approved CAP Vendors, and any other interested parties. CMS will assess the information that it receives as it considers implementing changes to the CAP.

Call Details:

Date and Time: December 3, 2008 from 2:00-3:30PM EST
Toll Free Call Number: (800) 837-1935
Conference ID: 66307647

Interested parties can also submit comments to the CAP e-mailbox at MMA303DDrugBid@cms.hhs.gov

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
December 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Publications~Medicare%20Advisory~December%202008%20J1%20AB%20MAC%20Medicare%20Advisory?opendocument

The December 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory is now available to be
viewed on the Palmetto GBA Web site.

Medicare's Practical Guide to the E-Prescribing Incentive Program is now
available online!
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Medicares%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20the%20E-Prescribing%20Incentive%20Program%20is%20now%20available%20online!?opendocument

The guide explains the e-prescribing incentive program, how eligible
professionals can participate, and how to choose a qualified e-prescribing
system. By adopting e-prescribing through Medicare's program, eligible
professionals can save time, enhance office and pharmacy productivity, and
improve patient safety and quality of care while earning incentives from
Medicare.

Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): Feedback about
the CAP - A Special Open Door Forum (ODF) Teleconference on the 2009 CAP
Postponement and How to Submit E-mail Comments
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Medicare%20Part%20B%20Drug%20Competitive%20Acquisition%20Program%20(CAP):%20Feedback%20about%20the%20CAP%20-%20A%20Special%20Open%20Door%20Forum%20(ODF)%20Teleconference%20on%20the%202009%20CAP%20Postponement%20and%20How%20to%20Submit%20E-mail%20Comments?opendocument

On December 3, 2008, CMS will host a Special ODF Teleconference to obtain
feedback about the program. This teleconference will be a listening session
and is intended for current and former participating CAP physicians,
potential Approved CAP Vendors, and any other interested parties. CMS will
assess the information that it receives as it considers implementing
changes to the CAP.

Part B LCD Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Part%20B%20LCD%20Update?opendocument

There are four J1 Part B LCD updates.

Physicians and Other Health Professionals Value-Based Purchasing Issues
Paper Posted
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Physicians%20and%20Other%20Health%20Professionals%20Value-Based%20Purchasing%20Issues%20Paper%20Posted%20?opendocument

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the Issues
Paper that is part of the development of a Plan to transition to a Medicare
Value-Based Purchasing Program for physician and other professional
services, as required by Section 131(d) of the Medicare Improvements for
Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). This Issues Paper will be the
basis of a Listening Session to be held at the CMS Central Facility on
December 9, 2008, from 10 AM EST to 4 PM EST.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

ASCO & CMA News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe571578766d037f7112&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2d16717065017b701174. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ACSO. This edition features:

Congress Likely to Take Up Additional NIH Funding After Recess

Prepare for Coding Changes in the New Year

ASCO Encourages President-elect Obama to Name Next NIH Director

ASCO Issues Recommendations to Address Looming Oncology Workforce Shortage

ASCO/AMA Survey Update

****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) Alert was published today and is available at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. It features:

Healthy Families Facing Minimum 6 Month Enrollment Freeze

Survey Finds Widespread Dissatisfaction Among Primary Care Physicians; Predicts Massive Shortfall by 2025

Medi-Cal Update

Family PACT Waiver Deadline Extended to November 30

Court Weighs CMA Lawsuit Against Balance Billing Regulation

Deadline to Request CPPI Quality Data is December 5

Highlights from AMA's Interim Meeting

Member Benefit of the Week: Magazine Discount Program

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

ACCC, ASCO, & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week at ACCC was published today and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_11-24-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

ACCC's Hospital Summit: At Only $169. Don't Miss It!

CMS Clarifies Requirements for Physician Supervision of HOPD Services

Time is Running Out: Apply for ACCC Cancer Care Navigation Project Pilot Site

Regional Symposium Coming to Philadelphia Next Week

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Coding for Multiple Encounters

ACCC's CE Blackboard: Breast Cancer Concepts

Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website

NCI Advisors Approve Major Cancer Research Initiatives

NCI Technology Research Facility Gets Off the Ground

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5c1578766c027d7111&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fded127873670c7c73147770&l=fe5f157577630c7d7713&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3416717064007c741178. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Last Chance to Vote in the 2009 ASCO Election

Check Out What's New in JCO

Newest Issue of JOP Available Online

Virtual Meeting for the ASCO-NCI-EORTC Annual Meeting on Molecular Markers in Cancer Now Available for Free

EHR Field Guide Now Available on ASCO's Bookstore

New Online CME Activities Available for Members

ASCO Launches Its First Maintenance of Certification Module

Letters of Intent for 2009 ACRAs in Breast Cancer and Glioma Due Dec. 4

Application Deadline Approaching for 2009 ASCO State Affiliate Grants

Apply for the 2009 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®/ASCO Loan Repayment Program

Register and Reserve Housing for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium

Apply for the 2009 IDEA Grant

Review ASCO State/Regional Affiliates Calendar of Events

Cancer Policy Alert: President's Cancer Panel Releases Report on Combating Cancer; CMS Issues Final Medicare Physician Payment Rule for 2009; New Report Issues Recommendations on Improving Cancer Clinical Trials

Cancer.Net Features: Answers to Holiday Questions

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
CMS Issues Improper Payment Rates for Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~CMS%20Issues%20Improper%20Payment%20Rates%20for%20Medicare,%20Medicaid,%20and%20SCHIP?opendocument

CMS today reported it protected roughly $400 million of taxpayer dollars as
improper payments for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) decreased from 3.9
percent in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 to 3.6 percent, or $10.4 billion, in FY
2008. The Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP improper payment rates are issued
annually as part of the HHS Agency Financial Report.

Inappropriate Access to or Use of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Transaction Data by Third Party Entities
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Railroad%20Medicare~EDI~General~Inappropriate%20Access%20to%20or%20Use%20of%20Electronic%20Data%20Interchange%20(EDI)%20Transaction%20Data%20by%20Third%20Party%20Entities?opendocument

This MLM article was originally published in 2004. Palmetto GBA wants to
make sure all submtiters understand the existing Medicare requirements and
prohibitions concerning use of EDI numbers and passwords.

Monday, November 24, 2008

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
MM6187 – 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Claims-Based Reporting of Measures Groups
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6187.pdf

Revised:
MM6258 – Update to Medicare Deductible, Coinsurance and Premium Rates for 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6258.pdf

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Claims-Based Reporting of
Measures Groups
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Physician%20Quality%20Reporting%20Initiative~2008%20Physician%20Quality%20Reporting%20Initiative%20Claims-Based%20Reporting%20of%20Measures%20Groups?opendocument

This article announces that the 2008 PQRI Claims-Based Measures Groups
reporting alternative is available for the six-month reporting period from
July 1 through December 31, 2008.

Medicare Billing Information for Rural Providers, Suppliers, and Physicians
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~Medicare%20Billing%20Information%20for%20Rural%20Providers,%20Suppliers,%20and%20Physicians?opendocument

"Medicare Billing Information for Rural Providers, Suppliers, and
Physicians" (October 2008), which consists of charts that provide Medicare
billing information for Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health
Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Critical Access
Hospitals, and Swing Beds, is now available.

Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC) and Claim Adjustment Reason Code
(CARC) Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Remittance%20Advice%20Remark%20Code%20(RARC)%20and%20Claim%20Adjustment%20Reason%20Code%20(CARC)%20Update?opendocument

This article is based on Change Request (CR) 6229 which updates Remittance
Advice Remark Codes (RARCs) and Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARCs). If
you use the Medicare Remit Easy Print software, note that Medicare will
update that software as a result of implementing CR 6229. Be sure billing
staff are aware of these updates.

Friday, November 21, 2008

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
“Medicare’s Practical Guide to the E-Prescribing Incentive Program” is now available online!

The guide explains the e-prescribing incentive program, how eligible professionals can participate, and how to choose a qualified e-prescribing system. To read or print the guide, visit: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/11399.pdf.

By adopting e-prescribing through Medicare’s program, eligible professionals can save time, enhance office and pharmacy productivity, and improve patient safety and quality of care while earning incentives from Medicare.

For additional information about e-prescribing, you can also visit:
www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI. Select “E-prescribing Incentive Program”;
www.cms.hhs.gov/eprescribing. (for information on Part D e-prescribing standards that will be effective April 1, 2009); and
www.ehealthinitiative.org to download “A Clinician’s Guide to Electronic Prescribing.”

Continuing Education Credits Available
On October 6–7, 2008, CMS and 34 partner organizations hosted the National E-Prescribing Conference to promote and explain the potential of e-prescribing to improve health care in the United States. Sessions included the e-prescribing incentive payment program; strategies and tools for integrating e-prescribing with current health care delivery practices; and privacy, security, and risk management implications.

The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Pharmacists Association will provide continuing education for selected presentations from the conference through an online education portal. Available credits are a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, and Continuing Education for pharmacists (up to 13.25 hours of continuing education credit (1.325 CEUs)). To view or listen to the presentations, and complete an online test on each segment, go to www.massmed.org/cme/CMS_eprescribing.

Additional information is available on the National E-Prescribing Conference site at http://www.epsilonregistration.com/er/EventHomePage/CustomPage.jsp?ActivityID=378&ItemID=1117.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services looks forward to working with you on the adoption of e-prescribing and implementation of the incentive program.

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
J1 Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System Enhancements
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~J1%20Interactive%20Voice%20Response%20(IVR)%20System%20Enhancements?opendocument

Palmetto GBA is pleased to announce updates to our IVR system serving the
J1 Part B provider community. The IVR enhancements will be available for
Part B providers beginning Monday, November 24, 2008. An overview of the
Part B enhancements includes: Payment Floor information: Part B Providers
will be able to obtain the number of claims approved to pay and the pending
payment amount for those claims; Providers will continue to have access to
information regarding the last three checks paid; Blood Deductible
information: Part B Providers will be able to verify the total number of
pints remaining for a patient to meet the Blood Deductible; Psychiatric
information: Part B Providers will now be able to obtain the number of
Psychiatric days remaining in the benefit; Physical Therapy: Part B
Providers will have access to the amount of the Physical Therapy Cap
satisfied by a patient; and Occupational Therapy: Part B Providers will be
able to obtain the amount of the Occupational Therapy Cap satisfied by a
patient.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Cephalon/ION Program

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CEPHALON/ION PROGRAM****
Cephalon Oncology and ION cordially invite you to a unique live event:
NEW TREATMENT ADVANCES IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA
A Webcast presented on behalf of Cephalon Oncology
Speaker: Wolfgang Knauf, M.D.,
Friday, December 12, 2008 11AM PDT
During this Web event, topics of discussion will focus on Treanda and:
• clinical understanding of Treanda's use in CLL
• clinical rational for using Treanda in CLL
• proper dosing and administration of Treanda
• Treanda's overall response in CLL
• safety profile of Treanda

Contact Julie Goldberg at (888) 536-7697 x6826 or julie.goldberg@iononline.com for further assistance.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
MM6258 – Update to Medicare Deductible, Coinsurance and Premium Rates for 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6258.pdf

MM6191 – Compendia as Authoritative Sources for Use in the Determination of a "Medically Accepted Indication" of Drugs and Biologicals Used Off-Label in an Anti-Cancer Chemotherapeutic Regimen
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6191.pdf

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Question &
Answer Session
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~2008%20Physician%20Quality%20Reporting%20Initiative%20National%20Provider%20Question%20Answer%20Session?opendocument

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Provider Communications
Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference
calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality
Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30
pm - 3:30 pm, EST, on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Registration will close
at 1:30 p.m. EST, November 19, 2008, or when available space has been
filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to
this time.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

ACCC & Palmetto/J1MAC News

Sunday, November 16, 2008

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC NEWS

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
Physicians and providers who were unable to attend the previous two ICD-10-CM/PCS conference calls may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 17, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. Registration will close at 12:30 p.m. EST on November 16, 2008 or when available space has been filled. To register for this call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/Downloads/Physicians_ICD10_CM_PCS_Conference_Call.pdf. To find additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.

Noridian Administrative Services, the designated carrier for the CAP, offers interactive, online workshops about the CAP for Part B Drugs and Biologicals. These workshops train CAP vendors and elected physicians on a variety of CAP topics, including how to transition out of the CAP at the end of 2008 due to the postponement of the program for 2009. NAS staff will also be available to answer questions. Interested parties may view additional information about and register for these workshops on the Noridian website at:

https://www.noridianmedicare.com/cap_drug/train/schedule.html

A workshop will be held on the following date:

§ 11/24/08 at 2:00 pm CST

Additional information about the CAP and the 2009 postponement is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcquisforBios/01_overview.asp

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
2009 J1 Part B Fee Schedules
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Fee%20Schedules~2009%20J1%20Part%20B%20Fee%20Schedules?opendocument

This is the 2009 J1 Part B Fee Schedules, which includes California,
Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Physicians
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~ICD-10-CMPCS%20National%20Provider%20Conference%20Call%20for%20Physicians?opendocument

Physicians and providers who were unable to attend the previous two
ICD-10-CM/PCS conference calls may now register for the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference
Call that will be conducted on November 17, 2008 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
EST. Registration will close at 12:30 pm EST on November 16, 2008 or when
available space has been filled.

Friday, November 14, 2008

CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****CMS NEWS****
MM6262 – Annual Update of Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Codes Used for Home Health Consolidated Billing Enforcement
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6262.pdf

Thursday, November 13, 2008

ASCO, Celgene/ION, MOASC/ Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.

****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5a1578776c037c7d16&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2d167171640674721075. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Obama/Biden Administration Priorities for Cancer Care

NCI and CEO Roundtable on Cancer Develop Standard Clinical Trial Contract Language

CMS Issues Final Medicare Physician Payment Rule for 2009

CMS Issues Final Hospital Outpatient Payment Rule for 2009

President's Cancer Panel Releases Report on Combating Cancer

New NIH Policy Aims to Support Scientists Early in their Careers

FDA Requires Toll-Free Number for Reporting Adverse Effects on Drug Label

New Report Issues Recommendations on Improving Cancer Clinical Trials

****CELGENE/ION PROGRAM****
Celgene and ION cordially invite you to a unique live event:

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SURVIVAL IN MDS PATIENTS
An Interactive Live Satellite Broadcast

Celgene will be hosting a National Satellite Dinner Program with ION on Tuesday, December 2nd. During this program, Dr. Lewis Silverman from Mount Sinai School of Medicine will present an update on the Vidaza survival data.

Physicians will have the opportunity to either go to a local Morton’s restaurant to watch the presentation with their colleagues or go to their computer to watch the presentation through the web.

The program will start at the following times:
· 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern
· 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Central
· 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Mountain
· 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Pacific

An invitation with instructions for registering is available at http://www.anco-online.org/CelgeneION.pdf.

The live site locations are available to physicians, physician’s assistants or nurse practitioners.

The program is open to ION and non-ION members. If space allows, the live sites will be open for nurses and pharmacists one week prior to the program.

Attendance at the live sites will be on a first come, first served basis.

All healthcare professionals including nurses and pharmacists can participate in the program via the Webcast.

****MOASC PROGRAM****
Practice Efficiencies: Ideas that work in assisting your survival in providing community oncology care
Presented by: Ricky Newton, CPA

Call: 866-212-0875
Enter pass code: 737194#
Press *3 to enter the Recording Playback menu

The system will prompt you for the file number: 62180#
The system will confirm the file number entered

The system will prompt you to enter the number of minutes you wish to skip from the beginning of the recording, followed by the # key.
If you do not wish to skip any minutes, press 0 followed by the # key, or stay on the line.

A confirmation message will be heard and the playback will begin.

The accompanying PowerPoint presentation is available for download at http://www.anco-online.org/MOASC_Newton.ppt.

If you have any questions, please contact the MOASC office.

Phone: (909) 985-9061
Fax: (909) 985-8581
P.O. Box 161
Upland, California 91785-0161
moasc@moasc.org

****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
2008 Web Safari for Medicare Part B Providers– November 18 and 21, 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~2008%20Web%20Safari%20for%20Medicare%20Part%20B%20Providers–%20November%2018%20and%2021,%202008%20?opendocument

Are you new to Palmetto GBA? Do you want to navigate the Palmetto GBA Web
site like a pro? Plan to join Palmetto GBA for an informative Webinar to
learn more about the features our Web site has to offer and how to use the
site more effectively.

Temporary Procedures To Facilitate Remittance Status Change Requests from
J1 Part B Providers
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Temporary%20Procedures%20To%20Facilitate%20Remittance%20Status%20Change%20Requests%20from%20J1%20Part%20B%20Providers?opendocument

As mandated by CMS Change Request 4376, Palmetto GBA stops the receipt of
hardcopy remits 45 days after providers are enrolled for electronic
remittances. Some J1 providers who were enrolled for electronic remits at
cutover are no longer receiving hardcopy remittances. This article provides
an explanation on this change and what you can do to switch from electronic
remit to hardcopy remits.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Monday, December 1, 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Monday, November 24, 2008

Friday, November 21, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Friday, November 14, 2008

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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