The following information has been received by ANCO.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS***
Revised Location - 2009 Spring Workshop Series Begins February 18-20, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Revised%20Location%20-%202009%20Spring%20Workshop%20Series%20Begins%20February%2018-20,%202009?opendocument
Palmetto GBA is pleased to announce the 2009 Understanding the Rules and
Using the Tools workshop series. This series, which begins February 18-20,
is designed for practice managers, billers, administrative staff and other
users to equip them with the tools they need to be successful with Medicare
billing and documentation guidelines.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
ASCO, NCCN, & 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=fe5215787d6c01797012&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3716727565047f731176. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
Update on Economic Stimulus Package
ASCO Urges Lawmakers to Exclude Prompt Pay Discount from ASP
ASCO Runs Ad in The Hill To Welcome the 111th Congress and the Obama Administration
Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards Are Available for Public Comment
Oncology Added to Draft CCHIT Roadmap
FDA Issues Final Guidance on Adverse Events Reporting
HHS Issues Final ICD-10 Code Sets
Niederhuber Will Continue as NCI Director
Update on Leucovorin Shortage
FDA Cautions About Risk of Skin Numbing Products
Join ASCO's Advocacy Network
ASCO Extends Resources to Practice Administrators
****NCCN NEWS****
Coming in the next issue of JNCCN — The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network: February 2009 (Volume 7, Number 2)
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™:
Breast Cancer
Special Feature:
Predictors and Temporal Trends of Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Use in Breast Cancer
Featured Articles:
Indications for Breast MRI in the Patient with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Pharmacogenetics of Tamoxifen: Who Should Undergo CYP2D6 Genetic Testing?
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Where Do We Stand?
Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Breast Cancer
Visit http://www.nccn.org/JNCCN/toc/2009feb.asp for more information.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS***
2009 J1 Part B Clinical Lab Fee Schedules
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Fee%20Schedules~2009%20J1%20Part%20B%20Clinical%20Lab%20Fee%20Schedules?opendocument
These are the 2009 J1 Part B Clinical Lab Fee Schedules for California,
Nevada and Hawaii.
2009 Spring Workshop Series Begins February 18-20, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~2009%20Spring%20Workshop%20Series%20Begins%20February%2018-20,%202009?opendocument
Palmetto GBA is pleased to announce the 2009 Understanding the Rules and
Using the Tools workshop series. This series, which begins February 18-20,
is designed for practice managers, billers, administrative staff and other
users to equip them with the tools they need to be successful with Medicare
billing and documentation guidelines.
Batch Detail Control Listing (BCL) Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Batch%20Detail%20Control%20Listing%20(BCL)%20Update%20?opendocument
Palmetto GBA has been forwarding the MCS Batch Control Listing (BCL) report
to J1 Part B Submitters. GPNet, our EDI front-end, generates a similar
response report that includes the acceptance or rejection status of claim
files. Since the information on the BCL report is duplicated in the GPNet
Response Report, Palmetto GBA will no longer forward BCL reports after
February 6, 2009.
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=fe5215787d6c01797012&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3716727565047f731176. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
Update on Economic Stimulus Package
ASCO Urges Lawmakers to Exclude Prompt Pay Discount from ASP
ASCO Runs Ad in The Hill To Welcome the 111th Congress and the Obama Administration
Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards Are Available for Public Comment
Oncology Added to Draft CCHIT Roadmap
FDA Issues Final Guidance on Adverse Events Reporting
HHS Issues Final ICD-10 Code Sets
Niederhuber Will Continue as NCI Director
Update on Leucovorin Shortage
FDA Cautions About Risk of Skin Numbing Products
Join ASCO's Advocacy Network
ASCO Extends Resources to Practice Administrators
****NCCN NEWS****
Coming in the next issue of JNCCN — The Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network: February 2009 (Volume 7, Number 2)
NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™:
Breast Cancer
Special Feature:
Predictors and Temporal Trends of Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitor Use in Breast Cancer
Featured Articles:
Indications for Breast MRI in the Patient with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Pharmacogenetics of Tamoxifen: Who Should Undergo CYP2D6 Genetic Testing?
Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: Where Do We Stand?
Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Breast Cancer
Visit http://www.nccn.org/JNCCN/toc/2009feb.asp for more information.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS***
2009 J1 Part B Clinical Lab Fee Schedules
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Fee%20Schedules~2009%20J1%20Part%20B%20Clinical%20Lab%20Fee%20Schedules?opendocument
These are the 2009 J1 Part B Clinical Lab Fee Schedules for California,
Nevada and Hawaii.
2009 Spring Workshop Series Begins February 18-20, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~2009%20Spring%20Workshop%20Series%20Begins%20February%2018-20,%202009?opendocument
Palmetto GBA is pleased to announce the 2009 Understanding the Rules and
Using the Tools workshop series. This series, which begins February 18-20,
is designed for practice managers, billers, administrative staff and other
users to equip them with the tools they need to be successful with Medicare
billing and documentation guidelines.
Batch Detail Control Listing (BCL) Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Batch%20Detail%20Control%20Listing%20(BCL)%20Update%20?opendocument
Palmetto GBA has been forwarding the MCS Batch Control Listing (BCL) report
to J1 Part B Submitters. GPNet, our EDI front-end, generates a similar
response report that includes the acceptance or rejection status of claim
files. Since the information on the BCL report is duplicated in the GPNet
Response Report, Palmetto GBA will no longer forward BCL reports after
February 6, 2009.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
Now there’s a better way for physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment information. The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will allow physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make Internet-based PECOS to all organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers) later this year.
Fast
By submitting the initial Medicare enrollment application through Internet-based PECOS, a physician or non-physician practitioner’s enrollment application can be processed as much as 50 percent faster than by paper. This means that it will take less time to enroll or make a change in an existing enrollment record. For additional information about the types of changes that must be reported, go to the download section of www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.
Secure
Internet-based PECOS meets all required Government security standards in terms of data entry, data transmission, and the electronic storage of Medicare enrollment information. Only authorized individuals can enter enrollment information into PECOS or view PECOS data from the Internet. Authorized individuals include physicians and non-physician practitioners. Their User IDs and passwords protect the access to their enrollment information. After physicians or non-physician practitioners create User IDs and passwords or change their passwords, they should keep this information secure and not share it with anyone. By safeguarding their User IDs and passwords, they are taking an important step in protecting their enrollment information. CMS does not disclose Medicare enrollment information to anyone except when we are authorized or required to do so by law.
Easy
Internet-based PECOS is a scenario-driven application process with front-end editing capabilities and built-in help screens. The scenario-driven application process will ensure that physicians and non-physician practitioners complete and submit only the information necessary to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment record.
There are three basic steps to completing an enrollment action using Internet-based PECOS. Physicians and non-physician practitioners must:
1. Have an NPPES User ID and password to use Internet-based PECOS.
For security reasons, physicians and non-physician practitioners should change passwords periodically, at least once a year. For information on how to change a password, go to the NPPES Application Help page available at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and select the “Reset Password Page” under the NPPES Application help page.
2. Go to Internet-based PECOS at https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov and complete, review, and submit the electronic enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS.
3. Print, sign and date the Certification Statement (blue ink recommended) and mail the Certification Statement and all supporting paper documentation to the Medicare contractor.
Note: A Medicare contractor will not process an Internet enrollment application without the signed and dated Certification Statement and the required supporting documentation. In addition, the effective date of filing an enrollment application is the date the Medicare contractor receives the signed Certification Statement that is associated with the Internet submission.
Additional Information
For information about Internet-based PECOS, including important information that physicians and non-physician practitioners should know before submitting a Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Holding of Claims Containing a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Holding%20of%20Claims%20Containing%20a%20Current%20Procedural%20Terminology%20(CPT)%20Code?opendocument
Change Request 6254, which is the annual therapy code update, omitted the
bundled status indicator for a CPT Code. As a result, claims that contain
this code will be suspended because there is no separate fee amount
assigned to this code.
J1 Electronic Claims and Fax Attachment Information
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Physician-Supplier%20Guide~Claims%20Filing:%20Medicare~J1%20Electronic%20Claims%20and%20Fax%20Attachment%20Information?opendocument
****CMS NEWS****
Now there’s a better way for physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment information. The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will allow physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will make Internet-based PECOS to all organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers) later this year.
Fast
By submitting the initial Medicare enrollment application through Internet-based PECOS, a physician or non-physician practitioner’s enrollment application can be processed as much as 50 percent faster than by paper. This means that it will take less time to enroll or make a change in an existing enrollment record. For additional information about the types of changes that must be reported, go to the download section of www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.
Secure
Internet-based PECOS meets all required Government security standards in terms of data entry, data transmission, and the electronic storage of Medicare enrollment information. Only authorized individuals can enter enrollment information into PECOS or view PECOS data from the Internet. Authorized individuals include physicians and non-physician practitioners. Their User IDs and passwords protect the access to their enrollment information. After physicians or non-physician practitioners create User IDs and passwords or change their passwords, they should keep this information secure and not share it with anyone. By safeguarding their User IDs and passwords, they are taking an important step in protecting their enrollment information. CMS does not disclose Medicare enrollment information to anyone except when we are authorized or required to do so by law.
Easy
Internet-based PECOS is a scenario-driven application process with front-end editing capabilities and built-in help screens. The scenario-driven application process will ensure that physicians and non-physician practitioners complete and submit only the information necessary to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment record.
There are three basic steps to completing an enrollment action using Internet-based PECOS. Physicians and non-physician practitioners must:
1. Have an NPPES User ID and password to use Internet-based PECOS.
For security reasons, physicians and non-physician practitioners should change passwords periodically, at least once a year. For information on how to change a password, go to the NPPES Application Help page available at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/Welcome.do and select the “Reset Password Page” under the NPPES Application help page.
2. Go to Internet-based PECOS at https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov and complete, review, and submit the electronic enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS.
3. Print, sign and date the Certification Statement (blue ink recommended) and mail the Certification Statement and all supporting paper documentation to the Medicare contractor.
Note: A Medicare contractor will not process an Internet enrollment application without the signed and dated Certification Statement and the required supporting documentation. In addition, the effective date of filing an enrollment application is the date the Medicare contractor receives the signed Certification Statement that is associated with the Internet submission.
Additional Information
For information about Internet-based PECOS, including important information that physicians and non-physician practitioners should know before submitting a Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Holding of Claims Containing a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Code
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Holding%20of%20Claims%20Containing%20a%20Current%20Procedural%20Terminology%20(CPT)%20Code?opendocument
Change Request 6254, which is the annual therapy code update, omitted the
bundled status indicator for a CPT Code. As a result, claims that contain
this code will be suspended because there is no separate fee amount
assigned to this code.
J1 Electronic Claims and Fax Attachment Information
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Physician-Supplier%20Guide~Claims%20Filing:%20Medicare~J1%20Electronic%20Claims%20and%20Fax%20Attachment%20Information?opendocument
Monday, January 26, 2009
ACCC, CMA, & NCCN 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/.
****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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-26-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Evaluate Your Capital and Strategic Planning at ACCC's Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Improvements to Cervical Cancer Proficiency Testing Program
Hot Off the Press: Highlights of the Newest Oncology Issues
New Report Offers Look at Trends in Oncology for 2009
Welcome Aboard to ACCC's Newest Members
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: The Value of Oncology Social Workers
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
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
United Healthcare Eliminates “Progressive Fee Schedule”
Medi-Cal Claims with Patient SSNs Will Be Denied Beginning 2/1
HHS Extends ICD-10 Deadline to 2013; CMA, AMA Continue to Advocate for an Eight Year Transition Plan
Palmetto Agrees to Eliminate Monitored Anesthesia Policy
Despite Escalating Budget Crisis State Will Not Delay Medi-Cal Payments
House Passes Children’s Health Insurance Bill; Senate Expected to Follow
CMA Launches Webinar Series
Federal Economic Stimulus Plan Contains $150 Billion for Health Care
Call for Data: Out-of-Network Underpayment and Rescission of Treatment Authorization
Benefit of the Week: Employment Practices Liability Insurance
****NCCN NEWS****
Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer: From Testing to Treatment
Join members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Breast Cancer Guidelines Panel to discuss the use of adjuvant therapy in the management of breast cancer. The program will focus on issues such as indications for systemic adjuvant therapy, predictive and prognostic factors in adjuvant treatment, endocrine therapy for women, targeted therapy for HER2-positive tumors, and the appropriate use of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer: From Testing to Treatment
(http://discoveryhealthcme.discovery.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer.html)
Discovery Health offers the most flexible way to earn free CME credit. Watch online anytime via high-speed internet connection, download the podcast, or order the DVD. Complete the post-test and evaluation on-line and print your certificate right from your computer.
Faculty
Robert W. Carlson, MD
Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lori J. Goldstein, MD
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Clifford A. Hudis, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Program Overview
In response to the burgeoning data regarding patient risk assessment and the selection of adjuvant hormonal, biologic, and cytotoxic therapies, the NCCN, in conjunction with Discovery Health, has brought together members of the NCCN Breast Cancer Guidelines Panel to discuss the use of adjuvant therapy in the management of breast cancer. The program will focus on issues such as indications for systemic adjuvant therapy, predictive and prognostic factors in adjuvant treatment, endocrine therapy for women, targeted therapy for HER2-positive tumors, and the appropriate use of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Educational Objectives
Following this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe various testing options for hormonal and HER2 status
Explain the limitations and strengths of existing risk assessment tools
Identify the role of tamoxifen therapy in hormone receptor-positive younger women
Describe the role of aromatase inhibitors and the data supporting their use in hormone receptor-positive postmenopausal women
Discuss the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy based on risk assessment
Summarize the role of trastuzumab in treatment of HER2-positive tumors in the adjuvant setting
Intended Audience
This educational activity is designed to meet the needs of physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals who manage patients with cancer.
NCCN 14th Annual Conference - Register Now
Register now (at http://www.nccn.org/professionals/meetings/14thannual/default.asp) for a continuing education event hosted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network – NCCN 14th Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™. This NCCN Conference will include a special roundtable discussion that will offer a multiple-perspective examination of issues addressing the definition of value across the myriad of diseases in cancer; how quality of care and value should be measured and quantified; and the distribution methods and availability of reimbursement for reporting, performing, and enhancing value in the delivery of cancer care.
Date: March 11 – 15, 2009
Place: The Westin Diplomat
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, Florida
Fee: Nurses $395
Physicians, Pharmacists, and Other Health Care Professionals (not including Industry) $495
Industry $1,495
If you register and then cannot attend, a substitute attendee may be sent in your place. A $50 administration fee will be charged for each substitution. The registration fee is not refundable.
NCCN 14th Annual Conference:
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™
(http://www.nccn.org/professionals/meetings/14thannual/default.asp)
Roundtable Discussion:
Finding and Achieving Value in Cancer Care
Friday, March 13, 2009
Moderator:
Clifford Goodman, PhD
The Lewin Group
Panel:
Joseph S. Bailes, MD
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Stephen B. Edge, MD
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Mark Fendrick, MD
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Scott Gotlieb, MD
American Enterprise Institute
Robert Mass, MD
Genentech, Inc.
Lee N. Newcomer, MD, MHA
United Healthcare
Lynn Zonakis
Delta Airlines
Panel members subject to change
Click here to register for the NCCN 14th Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™ March 11 – 15, 2009 or to view additional agenda topics.
All ANCO Online LIstServ postings are archived at the ANCO Online ListSev blog available at http://anco-online.blogspot.com/.
****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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-26-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Evaluate Your Capital and Strategic Planning at ACCC's Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Improvements to Cervical Cancer Proficiency Testing Program
Hot Off the Press: Highlights of the Newest Oncology Issues
New Report Offers Look at Trends in Oncology for 2009
Welcome Aboard to ACCC's Newest Members
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: The Value of Oncology Social Workers
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
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
United Healthcare Eliminates “Progressive Fee Schedule”
Medi-Cal Claims with Patient SSNs Will Be Denied Beginning 2/1
HHS Extends ICD-10 Deadline to 2013; CMA, AMA Continue to Advocate for an Eight Year Transition Plan
Palmetto Agrees to Eliminate Monitored Anesthesia Policy
Despite Escalating Budget Crisis State Will Not Delay Medi-Cal Payments
House Passes Children’s Health Insurance Bill; Senate Expected to Follow
CMA Launches Webinar Series
Federal Economic Stimulus Plan Contains $150 Billion for Health Care
Call for Data: Out-of-Network Underpayment and Rescission of Treatment Authorization
Benefit of the Week: Employment Practices Liability Insurance
****NCCN NEWS****
Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer: From Testing to Treatment
Join members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Breast Cancer Guidelines Panel to discuss the use of adjuvant therapy in the management of breast cancer. The program will focus on issues such as indications for systemic adjuvant therapy, predictive and prognostic factors in adjuvant treatment, endocrine therapy for women, targeted therapy for HER2-positive tumors, and the appropriate use of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Adjuvant Therapy in Breast Cancer: From Testing to Treatment
(http://discoveryhealthcme.discovery.com/breast-cancer/breast-cancer.html)
Discovery Health offers the most flexible way to earn free CME credit. Watch online anytime via high-speed internet connection, download the podcast, or order the DVD. Complete the post-test and evaluation on-line and print your certificate right from your computer.
Faculty
Robert W. Carlson, MD
Stanford Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lori J. Goldstein, MD
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Clifford A. Hudis, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Program Overview
In response to the burgeoning data regarding patient risk assessment and the selection of adjuvant hormonal, biologic, and cytotoxic therapies, the NCCN, in conjunction with Discovery Health, has brought together members of the NCCN Breast Cancer Guidelines Panel to discuss the use of adjuvant therapy in the management of breast cancer. The program will focus on issues such as indications for systemic adjuvant therapy, predictive and prognostic factors in adjuvant treatment, endocrine therapy for women, targeted therapy for HER2-positive tumors, and the appropriate use of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Educational Objectives
Following this activity, participants should be able to:
Describe various testing options for hormonal and HER2 status
Explain the limitations and strengths of existing risk assessment tools
Identify the role of tamoxifen therapy in hormone receptor-positive younger women
Describe the role of aromatase inhibitors and the data supporting their use in hormone receptor-positive postmenopausal women
Discuss the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy based on risk assessment
Summarize the role of trastuzumab in treatment of HER2-positive tumors in the adjuvant setting
Intended Audience
This educational activity is designed to meet the needs of physicians, nurses, and other clinical professionals who manage patients with cancer.
NCCN 14th Annual Conference - Register Now
Register now (at http://www.nccn.org/professionals/meetings/14thannual/default.asp) for a continuing education event hosted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network – NCCN 14th Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™. This NCCN Conference will include a special roundtable discussion that will offer a multiple-perspective examination of issues addressing the definition of value across the myriad of diseases in cancer; how quality of care and value should be measured and quantified; and the distribution methods and availability of reimbursement for reporting, performing, and enhancing value in the delivery of cancer care.
Date: March 11 – 15, 2009
Place: The Westin Diplomat
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, Florida
Fee: Nurses $395
Physicians, Pharmacists, and Other Health Care Professionals (not including Industry) $495
Industry $1,495
If you register and then cannot attend, a substitute attendee may be sent in your place. A $50 administration fee will be charged for each substitution. The registration fee is not refundable.
NCCN 14th Annual Conference:
Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™
(http://www.nccn.org/professionals/meetings/14thannual/default.asp)
Roundtable Discussion:
Finding and Achieving Value in Cancer Care
Friday, March 13, 2009
Moderator:
Clifford Goodman, PhD
The Lewin Group
Panel:
Joseph S. Bailes, MD
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Stephen B. Edge, MD
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Mark Fendrick, MD
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Scott Gotlieb, MD
American Enterprise Institute
Robert Mass, MD
Genentech, Inc.
Lee N. Newcomer, MD, MHA
United Healthcare
Lynn Zonakis
Delta Airlines
Panel members subject to change
Click here to register for the NCCN 14th Annual Conference: Clinical Practice Guidelines & Quality Cancer Care™ March 11 – 15, 2009 or to view additional agenda topics.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Clinical Trial Opportunity
We are pleased to let you know that the Stanford Dermatology Department and Comprehensive Cancer Center are taking part in an industry-sponsored national study evaluating the efficacy and safety of an oral, small molecule antagonist of the Hedgehog pathway (Hh) in patients with locally advanced and unresectable basal cell carcinoma.
Approximately 50 subjects will be enrolled at sites in the United States.
We would like to request your assistance in identifying patients who may be eligible for participation in the study. The inclusion/ exclusion criteria are listed at the end of this letter.
If you have any patients meeting the criteria and who may be interested in participating in the research study, please contact Tony Oro, MD at (650) 723-7843, oro@cmgm.stanford.edu or Anne Chang, MD, the Co-Principal Investigator at (650) 721-2699, alschang@stanford.edu.
We appreciate your assistance and look forward to collaborating with you to offer this research study to your patients.
Anthony Oro, MD, PhD Anne Chang, MD
Associate Professor of Dermatology Instructor, Director of Dermatological
Department of Dermatology Clinical Trials, Dept. of Dermatology
Stanford School of Medicine Stanford School of Medicine
Primary Outcome Measures:
The primary objective of this study is to estimate the clinical benefit of an oral, small molecule antagonist of the Hedgehog pathway (Hh) given as therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic BCC, as measured by overall response rate (ORR).
Selected Inclusion Criteria:
• Men and women age ≥ 18 years
• For patients with locally advanced BCC, histologically confirmed disease that is considered to be inoperable or medical contraindication to surgery (see below), in the opinion of a Mohs dermatologic surgeon, head and neck surgeon, or plastic surgeon
• For patients with locally advanced BCC, radiotherapy must have been previously administered for their locally advanced BCC, unless radiotherapy is contraindicated or inappropriate (e.g., hypersensitivity to radiation due to genetic syndrome such as Gorlin syndrome, limitations because of location of tumor, or cumulative prior radiotherapy dose). For patients whose locally advanced BCC has been irradiated, disease must have progressed after radiation.
• Patients with nevoid BCC syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) may enroll in this study but must meet the criteria for locally advanced or metastatic disease listed above.
Selected Exclusion Criteria:
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Life expectancy of < 12 weeks
• Concurrent non–protocol-specified anti-tumor therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, other targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or photodynamic therapy)
• History of other malignancies within 3 years of Day 1, except for tumors with a negligible risk for metastasis or death, such as adequately treated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
• Uncontrolled medical illnesses such as infection requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics
Approximately 50 subjects will be enrolled at sites in the United States.
We would like to request your assistance in identifying patients who may be eligible for participation in the study. The inclusion/ exclusion criteria are listed at the end of this letter.
If you have any patients meeting the criteria and who may be interested in participating in the research study, please contact Tony Oro, MD at (650) 723-7843, oro@cmgm.stanford.edu or Anne Chang, MD, the Co-Principal Investigator at (650) 721-2699, alschang@stanford.edu.
We appreciate your assistance and look forward to collaborating with you to offer this research study to your patients.
Anthony Oro, MD, PhD Anne Chang, MD
Associate Professor of Dermatology Instructor, Director of Dermatological
Department of Dermatology Clinical Trials, Dept. of Dermatology
Stanford School of Medicine Stanford School of Medicine
Primary Outcome Measures:
The primary objective of this study is to estimate the clinical benefit of an oral, small molecule antagonist of the Hedgehog pathway (Hh) given as therapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic BCC, as measured by overall response rate (ORR).
Selected Inclusion Criteria:
• Men and women age ≥ 18 years
• For patients with locally advanced BCC, histologically confirmed disease that is considered to be inoperable or medical contraindication to surgery (see below), in the opinion of a Mohs dermatologic surgeon, head and neck surgeon, or plastic surgeon
• For patients with locally advanced BCC, radiotherapy must have been previously administered for their locally advanced BCC, unless radiotherapy is contraindicated or inappropriate (e.g., hypersensitivity to radiation due to genetic syndrome such as Gorlin syndrome, limitations because of location of tumor, or cumulative prior radiotherapy dose). For patients whose locally advanced BCC has been irradiated, disease must have progressed after radiation.
• Patients with nevoid BCC syndrome (Gorlin syndrome) may enroll in this study but must meet the criteria for locally advanced or metastatic disease listed above.
Selected Exclusion Criteria:
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Life expectancy of < 12 weeks
• Concurrent non–protocol-specified anti-tumor therapy (e.g., chemotherapy, other targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or photodynamic therapy)
• History of other malignancies within 3 years of Day 1, except for tumors with a negligible risk for metastasis or death, such as adequately treated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, or carcinoma in situ of the cervix
• Uncontrolled medical illnesses such as infection requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics
Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~General~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
Change Request (CR) 6325, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code
Update, reminds providers of the periodic updates to the Claim Status Codes
and Claim Status Category Codes that Medicare contractors use with the
Health Care Claim Status Request (ASC X12N 276), and the Health Care Claim
Response (ASC X12N 277).
Notice of New Interest Rate for Medicare Overpayments and Underpayments:
2nd Update for FY 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Notice%20of%20New%20Interest%20Rate%20for%20Medicare%20Overpayments%20and%20Underpayments:%202nd%20Update%20for%20FY%202009%20?opendocument
The Department of the Treasury has notified the Department of Health and
Human Services that the private consumer rate will remain at 11.375
percent.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~General~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
Change Request (CR) 6325, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code
Update, reminds providers of the periodic updates to the Claim Status Codes
and Claim Status Category Codes that Medicare contractors use with the
Health Care Claim Status Request (ASC X12N 276), and the Health Care Claim
Response (ASC X12N 277).
Notice of New Interest Rate for Medicare Overpayments and Underpayments:
2nd Update for FY 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Notice%20of%20New%20Interest%20Rate%20for%20Medicare%20Overpayments%20and%20Underpayments:%202nd%20Update%20for%20FY%202009%20?opendocument
The Department of the Treasury has notified the Department of Health and
Human Services that the private consumer rate will remain at 11.375
percent.
Friday, January 23, 2009
ASH & 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/.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) Practice Update was published and is available online at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
Congress Considers Health Provisions in Economic Recovery Legislation
ICD-10 Adoption Final Regulations - Summary Document
CMS Announces Last Five Medicare Administrative Contractors
MedPAC Votes on Final Recommendations for Congress
Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for HHS Secretary Nominee Daschle
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
MM6325 - Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6325.pdf
All ANCO Online LIstServ postings are archived at the ANCO Online ListSev blog available at http://anco-online.blogspot.com/.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) Practice Update was published and is available online at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
Congress Considers Health Provisions in Economic Recovery Legislation
ICD-10 Adoption Final Regulations - Summary Document
CMS Announces Last Five Medicare Administrative Contractors
MedPAC Votes on Final Recommendations for Congress
Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for HHS Secretary Nominee Daschle
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
MM6325 - Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6325.pdf
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
ACT Call - January 27, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Learning%20Education~ACT%20-%20Ask%20the%20Contractor%20Teleconferences~ACT%20Call%20-%20January%2027,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part B ACT Call on 1/27/2009.
ACT Call - February 3, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Learning%20Education~ACT%20-%20Ask%20the%20Contractor%20Teleconferences~ACT%20Call%20-%20February%203,%202009?opendocument
Webinar: Appeals-- February 19, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Appeals--%20February%2019,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Appeal that is held on
February 19, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Basic Billing for J1 Part B Providers-- February 17 and 18, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Webinar:%20Basic%20Billing%20for%20J1%20Part%20B%20Providers--%20February%2017%20and%2018,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part B Webinar for Basic Billing that is held on February 17
and 18, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Completing the CMS-1500 Form-- February 10, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Webinar:%20Completing%20the%20CMS-1500%20Form--%20February%2010,%202009?opendocument
This is a free J1 Part B Webinar for Completing the CMS-1500 Form that will
be held on February 10, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)-- February 24, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Electronic%20Data%20Interchange%20(EDI)--%20February%2024,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Electronic Data Interchange
(EDI) that is held on February 24, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP)-- February 5, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Medicare%20Secondary%20Payer%20(MSP)--%20February%205,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP)
that is held on February 5, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
ACT Call - January 27, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Learning%20Education~ACT%20-%20Ask%20the%20Contractor%20Teleconferences~ACT%20Call%20-%20January%2027,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part B ACT Call on 1/27/2009.
ACT Call - February 3, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Learning%20Education~ACT%20-%20Ask%20the%20Contractor%20Teleconferences~ACT%20Call%20-%20February%203,%202009?opendocument
Webinar: Appeals-- February 19, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Appeals--%20February%2019,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Appeal that is held on
February 19, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Basic Billing for J1 Part B Providers-- February 17 and 18, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Webinar:%20Basic%20Billing%20for%20J1%20Part%20B%20Providers--%20February%2017%20and%2018,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part B Webinar for Basic Billing that is held on February 17
and 18, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Completing the CMS-1500 Form-- February 10, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Webinar:%20Completing%20the%20CMS-1500%20Form--%20February%2010,%202009?opendocument
This is a free J1 Part B Webinar for Completing the CMS-1500 Form that will
be held on February 10, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)-- February 24, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Electronic%20Data%20Interchange%20(EDI)--%20February%2024,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Electronic Data Interchange
(EDI) that is held on February 24, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Webinar: Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP)-- February 5, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Webinar:%20Medicare%20Secondary%20Payer%20(MSP)--%20February%205,%202009?opendocument
This is the J1 Part A and Part B Webinar for Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP)
that is held on February 5, 2009, at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released two final rules that will facilitate the United States’ ongoing transition to an electronic health care environment through adoption of a new generation of diagnosis and procedure codes and updated standards for electronic health care and pharmacy transactions.
The first final rule replaces the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets, with a compliance date of Oct. 1, 2013. The second final rule adopts an updated X12 standard, Version 5010, for certain electronic health care transactions, an updated version of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) standard, Version D.0, for electronic pharmacy-related transactions, and a standard for Medicaid pharmacy subrogation transactions. Version 5010 includes updated standards for claims, remittance advice, eligibility inquiries, referral authorization, and other administrative transactions. Version 5010 also accommodates the use of the ICD-10 code sets, which are not supported by Version 4010/4010A1, the current X12 standard.
“These regulations will move the nation toward a more efficient, quality-focused health care system by helping accelerate the widespread adoption of health information technology,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. “The greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets will fully support quality reporting, pay-for-performance, bio-surveillance, and other critical activities. The updated X12 transaction standards, Version 5010, provide the framework needed to support the ICD-10 codes.”
The ICD-10 rule titled “HIPAA Administrative Simplification: Modifications to Medical Data Code Set Standards to Adopt ICD–10–CM and ICD–10–PCS” is available in text format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-743.htm and in pdf format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-743.pdf .
The updated X12 transaction standards, version 5010, rule titled “Health Insurance Reform; Modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Electronic Transaction Standards” is available in text format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-740.htm and in pdf format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-740.pdf .
A fact sheet describing both rules may be viewed at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3407&intNumPerPage=10&checkDate=&checkKey=&srchType=1&numDays=3500&srchOpt=0&srchData=&keywordType=All&chkNewsType=6&intPage=&showAll=&pYear=&year=&desc=&cboOrder=date.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Emergency Update to the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database
(MPFSDB)
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~General~Emergency%20Update%20to%20the%202009%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20Database%20(MPFSDB)?opendocument
CR 6351 is a J1 Part A and B article titled Emergency Update to the 2009
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB).
****CMS NEWS****
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released two final rules that will facilitate the United States’ ongoing transition to an electronic health care environment through adoption of a new generation of diagnosis and procedure codes and updated standards for electronic health care and pharmacy transactions.
The first final rule replaces the ICD-9-CM code sets now used to report health care diagnoses and procedures with greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets, with a compliance date of Oct. 1, 2013. The second final rule adopts an updated X12 standard, Version 5010, for certain electronic health care transactions, an updated version of the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) standard, Version D.0, for electronic pharmacy-related transactions, and a standard for Medicaid pharmacy subrogation transactions. Version 5010 includes updated standards for claims, remittance advice, eligibility inquiries, referral authorization, and other administrative transactions. Version 5010 also accommodates the use of the ICD-10 code sets, which are not supported by Version 4010/4010A1, the current X12 standard.
“These regulations will move the nation toward a more efficient, quality-focused health care system by helping accelerate the widespread adoption of health information technology,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. “The greatly expanded ICD-10 code sets will fully support quality reporting, pay-for-performance, bio-surveillance, and other critical activities. The updated X12 transaction standards, Version 5010, provide the framework needed to support the ICD-10 codes.”
The ICD-10 rule titled “HIPAA Administrative Simplification: Modifications to Medical Data Code Set Standards to Adopt ICD–10–CM and ICD–10–PCS” is available in text format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-743.htm and in pdf format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-743.pdf .
The updated X12 transaction standards, version 5010, rule titled “Health Insurance Reform; Modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Electronic Transaction Standards” is available in text format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-740.htm and in pdf format at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-740.pdf .
A fact sheet describing both rules may be viewed at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/factsheet.asp?Counter=3407&intNumPerPage=10&checkDate=&checkKey=&srchType=1&numDays=3500&srchOpt=0&srchData=&keywordType=All&chkNewsType=6&intPage=&showAll=&pYear=&year=&desc=&cboOrder=date.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Emergency Update to the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database
(MPFSDB)
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~General~Emergency%20Update%20to%20the%202009%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20Database%20(MPFSDB)?opendocument
CR 6351 is a J1 Part A and B article titled Emergency Update to the 2009
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
ACCC News & Meeting Announcements
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 at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-20-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting, March 18-21, 2009
HHS Pushes Back Compliance Deadline for ICD-10-CM Codes to Oct. 1, 2013
Oncology Society Presidents Gather to Discuss Outlook for Cancer Care in 2009
ACCC Cancer Care Patient Navigation Project: Six Centers Chosen
House Committees Propose Medicare Payments to Physicians Using EHR
ACCC Continues Work on New Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Billing for Indigent Patients Receiving Free Drugs
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
**** Managing Glioblastoma Multiforme and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Guidelines and Current Treatments****
You are invited for an upcoming CME dinner meeting entitled, Managing Glioblastoma Multiforme and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Guidelines and Current Treatments. This activity is jointly sponsored by Medical Education Resources, Inc. and MedLearning Inc. The activity is supported by an educational grant from Eisai Inc.
This activity is intended for neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgery nurses, and oncology nurse specialists who treat patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Speakers:
Lynn S. Ashby, MD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Timothy C. Ryken, MD, MS, FACS
University of Iowa Health Care
Date:
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Agenda:
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dinner and Meeting
Venue:
Harris’s Restaurant
2100 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this program or wish to register, please call (877) 963-3532 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
**** 8th Annual Allison Taylor Holbrooks/Barbara Jo Johnson Breast Cancer Conference****
Northern California Cancer Center will be hosting its 8th annual conference for breast cancer survivors, families, friends, and medical professionals. It will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Golden Gate Club, The Presidio of San Francisco.
The conference format includes a general session in the morning and afternoon breakout sessions. This program will provide information about current and new treatments; interaction of drugs/herb/medicine; music as medicine; complementary and alternative treatment; reconstructive surgery; young women’s issues; DCIS; treatment side effect management; lymphadema; psychosocial and quality of life issues; sexuality. Individuals from Bay Area medical intuitions and patient/family members compose the conference faculty.
Registration: :;30 AM to 8:30 AM Program: 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Conference Registration fee is $25.
Breakfast and lunch are included. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Continuing Education Credit fee of $35 is offered to RN, MFT, LCSW.
Program details and registration will appear on our Education Program Schedule at www.nccc.org after January 5.
For specific questions call 1-888-315-5988 or send an e-mail to education@nccc.org.
Program brochures will be mailed in January, 2009
****11th Annual Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach****
The 11th Annual Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach meeting takes place March 20th-22nd at the Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa. Tumor boards include:
Breast
Dilemmas in Patient Management
Ethics, Supportive, & Palliative Care
Gastrointestinal
Genitorurinary
Head and Neck
Hematologic Malignancies
Lymphoma
Thoracic
Please visit http://cancer.stanford.edu/calendar/events/2009/2009Silverado.html for more information and to register.
****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published today and is available at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-20-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting, March 18-21, 2009
HHS Pushes Back Compliance Deadline for ICD-10-CM Codes to Oct. 1, 2013
Oncology Society Presidents Gather to Discuss Outlook for Cancer Care in 2009
ACCC Cancer Care Patient Navigation Project: Six Centers Chosen
House Committees Propose Medicare Payments to Physicians Using EHR
ACCC Continues Work on New Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Billing for Indigent Patients Receiving Free Drugs
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
**** Managing Glioblastoma Multiforme and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Guidelines and Current Treatments****
You are invited for an upcoming CME dinner meeting entitled, Managing Glioblastoma Multiforme and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Guidelines and Current Treatments. This activity is jointly sponsored by Medical Education Resources, Inc. and MedLearning Inc. The activity is supported by an educational grant from Eisai Inc.
This activity is intended for neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgery nurses, and oncology nurse specialists who treat patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Speakers:
Lynn S. Ashby, MD
Barrow Neurological Institute
Timothy C. Ryken, MD, MS, FACS
University of Iowa Health Care
Date:
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Agenda:
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Dinner and Meeting
Venue:
Harris’s Restaurant
2100 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94109
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this program or wish to register, please call (877) 963-3532 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
**** 8th Annual Allison Taylor Holbrooks/Barbara Jo Johnson Breast Cancer Conference****
Northern California Cancer Center will be hosting its 8th annual conference for breast cancer survivors, families, friends, and medical professionals. It will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Golden Gate Club, The Presidio of San Francisco.
The conference format includes a general session in the morning and afternoon breakout sessions. This program will provide information about current and new treatments; interaction of drugs/herb/medicine; music as medicine; complementary and alternative treatment; reconstructive surgery; young women’s issues; DCIS; treatment side effect management; lymphadema; psychosocial and quality of life issues; sexuality. Individuals from Bay Area medical intuitions and patient/family members compose the conference faculty.
Registration: :;30 AM to 8:30 AM Program: 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Conference Registration fee is $25.
Breakfast and lunch are included. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
Continuing Education Credit fee of $35 is offered to RN, MFT, LCSW.
Program details and registration will appear on our Education Program Schedule at www.nccc.org after January 5.
For specific questions call 1-888-315-5988 or send an e-mail to education@nccc.org.
Program brochures will be mailed in January, 2009
****11th Annual Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach****
The 11th Annual Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach meeting takes place March 20th-22nd at the Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa. Tumor boards include:
Breast
Dilemmas in Patient Management
Ethics, Supportive, & Palliative Care
Gastrointestinal
Genitorurinary
Head and Neck
Hematologic Malignancies
Lymphoma
Thoracic
Please visit http://cancer.stanford.edu/calendar/events/2009/2009Silverado.html for more information and to register.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
ASCO & CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe511578726d02787011&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf61370756104747710767d&l=fe6515757164057f7212&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2416717c650375751279. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
ASCO Releases its First Provisional Clinical Opinion (PCO)
ASCO Launches New Leadership Development Program
Read the Newest JOP Current Clinical Issue Article, "Global Tobacco Problem Getting Worse, Not Better"
Check Out the Newest JCO Original Report," Insulin,the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis, and Mortality in Patients With Nonmetastatic Colorectal Cancer"
The 2008 Best of ASCO DVD Available for Purchase
GU Symposium Virtual Meeting and Podcast Access Available for Purchase
Presentations from the 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium Now Available for Free
Register and Reserve Housing for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Urge Congress to Include NIH Funding in the Economic Stimulus Package
For Your Patients
In the News: Cancer.Net and ASCO President Richard Schilsky, MD, Featured in The New York Times
Special Cancer.Net Podcast: 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Highlights, with Jennifer Obel, MD
Cancer.Net Podcast: How to Know When Medical News is Accurate
Cancer.Net Features: Having a Child After Cancer Treatment
ASCO Expert Corner: Research Highlights From the 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
ASCO Expert Corner: Questions and Myths About Quitting Smoking
****CMS NEWS****
Beginning January 1, 2009, eligible professionals can participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program by reporting on their adoption and use of an e-prescribing system by submitting information on one e-prescribing measure on their Medicare Part B claims. For the 2009 e-prescribing reporting year, to be a successful e-prescriber and to qualify to receive an incentive payment, an eligible professional must report one e-prescribing measure in at least 50% of the cases in which the measure is reportable by the eligible professional during 2009. There is no sign-up or pre-registration to participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program. For more information, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI and select “E-Prescribing Incentive Program” in the left-hand column.
In October 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and 34 partner organizations hosted a meeting about the mechanics of implementing an e-prescribing program in a practice. Audiotapes and slides are now archived online for continuing education credit. The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Pharmacist Association are pleased to provide Continuing Medical Education (a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, (risk management study for MA Physicians) and Continuing Education for pharmacists (up to 13.25 hours of continuing education credit (1.325 CEUs)). Simply go to www.massmed.org/cme/CMS_eprescribing to view the presentations and hear the audiotapes of the program. There are no registration or certificate fees.
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe511578726d02787011&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf61370756104747710767d&l=fe6515757164057f7212&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2416717c650375751279. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
ASCO Releases its First Provisional Clinical Opinion (PCO)
ASCO Launches New Leadership Development Program
Read the Newest JOP Current Clinical Issue Article, "Global Tobacco Problem Getting Worse, Not Better"
Check Out the Newest JCO Original Report," Insulin,the Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis, and Mortality in Patients With Nonmetastatic Colorectal Cancer"
The 2008 Best of ASCO DVD Available for Purchase
GU Symposium Virtual Meeting and Podcast Access Available for Purchase
Presentations from the 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium Now Available for Free
Register and Reserve Housing for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Urge Congress to Include NIH Funding in the Economic Stimulus Package
For Your Patients
In the News: Cancer.Net and ASCO President Richard Schilsky, MD, Featured in The New York Times
Special Cancer.Net Podcast: 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Highlights, with Jennifer Obel, MD
Cancer.Net Podcast: How to Know When Medical News is Accurate
Cancer.Net Features: Having a Child After Cancer Treatment
ASCO Expert Corner: Research Highlights From the 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium
ASCO Expert Corner: Questions and Myths About Quitting Smoking
****CMS NEWS****
Beginning January 1, 2009, eligible professionals can participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program by reporting on their adoption and use of an e-prescribing system by submitting information on one e-prescribing measure on their Medicare Part B claims. For the 2009 e-prescribing reporting year, to be a successful e-prescriber and to qualify to receive an incentive payment, an eligible professional must report one e-prescribing measure in at least 50% of the cases in which the measure is reportable by the eligible professional during 2009. There is no sign-up or pre-registration to participate in the E-Prescribing Incentive Program. For more information, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI and select “E-Prescribing Incentive Program” in the left-hand column.
In October 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and 34 partner organizations hosted a meeting about the mechanics of implementing an e-prescribing program in a practice. Audiotapes and slides are now archived online for continuing education credit. The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Pharmacist Association are pleased to provide Continuing Medical Education (a maximum of 22.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, (risk management study for MA Physicians) and Continuing Education for pharmacists (up to 13.25 hours of continuing education credit (1.325 CEUs)). Simply go to www.massmed.org/cme/CMS_eprescribing to view the presentations and hear the audiotapes of the program. There are no registration or certificate fees.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
ASCO & DHCS/MediCal 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 at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6115787263007c7415&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2116717d6d0475741c79. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
ASCO Continues to Advocate for Issues Affecting Oncologists in 2009
ASCO Comments on 2009 Medicare Physician Payment Regulations
ASCO Issues its First Provisional Clinical Opinion on KRAS Gene Testing in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
ASCO Comments on 2009 Medicare HOPPS Regulations
ASCO Highlights Priorities to HHS Agency Review Team
President-elect Obama Announces Top Scientific Advisors
Last Chance to Apply for ASCO Loan Repayment Program
ASCO Leadership Urges Participation in AMA/ASCO Survey
****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.
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 at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6115787263007c7415&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2116717d6d0475741c79. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
ASCO Continues to Advocate for Issues Affecting Oncologists in 2009
ASCO Comments on 2009 Medicare Physician Payment Regulations
ASCO Issues its First Provisional Clinical Opinion on KRAS Gene Testing in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
ASCO Comments on 2009 Medicare HOPPS Regulations
ASCO Highlights Priorities to HHS Agency Review Team
President-elect Obama Announces Top Scientific Advisors
Last Chance to Apply for ASCO Loan Repayment Program
ASCO Leadership Urges Participation in AMA/ASCO Survey
****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.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
CMS, NCI, & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised the physician, non-physician practitioner and group practice reporting responsibility Fact Sheets and the physicians, non-physician practitioner and other health care supplier brochure found on the Medicare Provider Enrollment web page.
These Fact Sheets list the types of changes that enrolled physicians, non-physician practitioners, and group practices are required to report to Medicare. By reporting changes as soon as possible, physicians, non-physician practitioners, and group practices will help to ensure that their claims are processed correctly.
Links to the following educational materials are provided below:
Reporting Responsibilities for Individual Physicians Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/PhysicianReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Reporting Responsibilities for Individual Non-Physician Practitioners Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/Non-PhysicianReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Reporting Responsibilities for Physician Group Practices Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/GroupPracticeReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Physicians, Non-Physician Practitioners, and Other Health Care Suppliers Brochure
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/downloads/suppliers.pdf
****NCI NEWS****
On Tuesday, April 14th, CancerCare, in collaboration with National Cancer Institute: Office of Cancer Survivorship and Office of Communications and Education, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Intercultural Cancer Council, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, will present the first of a three-part telephone education workshop program, The Seventh Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through & Beyond Cancer.
This free series, made possible by support from National Cancer Institute and Lance Armstrong Foundation, offers cancer survivors, their families, friends and health care professionals practical information to help them cope with concerns and issues that arise after treatment ends.
Part I, which takes place on April 14th is entitled, Managing the Stress of Survivorship. The faculty for this program includes Keith M. Bellizzi, PhD, MPH, Cancer Survivor, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut; David Spiegel, MD, Wilson Professor in the School of Medicine, Associate Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Guadalupe R. Palos, RN, LMSW, DrPH, Instructor, Clinical Research Faculty, Assistant Professor, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Part II, The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, will take place on May 19th. And Part III, Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones: Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, will take place on June 23rd. All of the of the workshops take place from 1:30 to 2:30 pm Eastern Time.
These workshops are free – no phone charges apply. However, pre-registration is required. To register simply go to the CancerCare website, www.cancercare.org/TEW.
We are very excited to offer this series to you. We hope that you will join us and that you will
share this information with your patients and colleagues.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Summary of Policies in the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and
the Telehealth Originating Site Facility Fee Payment Amount
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Summary%20of%20Policies%20in%20the%202009%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20(MPFS)%20and%20the%20Telehealth%20Originating%20Site%20Facility%20Fee%20Payment%20Amount?opendocument
J1 MLN article 6349 is titled Summary of Policies in the 2009 Medicare
Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Telehealth Originating Site Facility
Fee Payment Amount. It provides a summary of the policies in the 2009 MPFS
and announces the telehealth originating site facility fee payment amount.
Be sure billing staff are aware of these Medicare changes.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised the physician, non-physician practitioner and group practice reporting responsibility Fact Sheets and the physicians, non-physician practitioner and other health care supplier brochure found on the Medicare Provider Enrollment web page.
These Fact Sheets list the types of changes that enrolled physicians, non-physician practitioners, and group practices are required to report to Medicare. By reporting changes as soon as possible, physicians, non-physician practitioners, and group practices will help to ensure that their claims are processed correctly.
Links to the following educational materials are provided below:
Reporting Responsibilities for Individual Physicians Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/PhysicianReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Reporting Responsibilities for Individual Non-Physician Practitioners Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/Non-PhysicianReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Reporting Responsibilities for Physician Group Practices Enrolled in the Medicare Program
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/GroupPracticeReportingResponsibilities.pdf
Physicians, Non-Physician Practitioners, and Other Health Care Suppliers Brochure
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/downloads/suppliers.pdf
****NCI NEWS****
On Tuesday, April 14th, CancerCare, in collaboration with National Cancer Institute: Office of Cancer Survivorship and Office of Communications and Education, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Intercultural Cancer Council, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, will present the first of a three-part telephone education workshop program, The Seventh Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through & Beyond Cancer.
This free series, made possible by support from National Cancer Institute and Lance Armstrong Foundation, offers cancer survivors, their families, friends and health care professionals practical information to help them cope with concerns and issues that arise after treatment ends.
Part I, which takes place on April 14th is entitled, Managing the Stress of Survivorship. The faculty for this program includes Keith M. Bellizzi, PhD, MPH, Cancer Survivor, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut; David Spiegel, MD, Wilson Professor in the School of Medicine, Associate Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Guadalupe R. Palos, RN, LMSW, DrPH, Instructor, Clinical Research Faculty, Assistant Professor, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Part II, The Importance of Nutrition and Physical Activity, will take place on May 19th. And Part III, Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones: Managing the Fatigue of Caregiving, will take place on June 23rd. All of the of the workshops take place from 1:30 to 2:30 pm Eastern Time.
These workshops are free – no phone charges apply. However, pre-registration is required. To register simply go to the CancerCare website, www.cancercare.org/TEW.
We are very excited to offer this series to you. We hope that you will join us and that you will
share this information with your patients and colleagues.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Summary of Policies in the 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and
the Telehealth Originating Site Facility Fee Payment Amount
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Summary%20of%20Policies%20in%20the%202009%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20(MPFS)%20and%20the%20Telehealth%20Originating%20Site%20Facility%20Fee%20Payment%20Amount?opendocument
J1 MLN article 6349 is titled Summary of Policies in the 2009 Medicare
Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and the Telehealth Originating Site Facility
Fee Payment Amount. It provides a summary of the policies in the 2009 MPFS
and announces the telehealth originating site facility fee payment amount.
Be sure billing staff are aware of these Medicare changes.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
ASCO, CMS, ION, & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
Palmetto Allows For Temporary Coverage Change in Response to Leucovorin Shortage
In December 2008, Arthur Lurvey, MD, the Contractor Medical Director for Palmetto GBA (MAC Jurisdiction 1), announced, "Until the supply shortage for Leucovorin has been corrected, we will allow the use of Fusilev (Levoleucovorin) in all places where Leucovorin was and is covered."
Important Changes to ASCO Coding & Reimbursement Hotline Policies & Procedures
Starting January 5, 2009, ASCO has implemented two important changes for the Coding & Reimbursement Hotline. We hope these changes will help expedite responses and improve service to ASCO members.
1) All hotline inquiries should be submitted via e-mail to practice@asco.org. We believe this will help streamline our response process.
2) We are now requesting that inquiries from members and their staff be accompanied by an ASCO member ID number.
State Society Executive Directors who are asking questions on behalf of State/Regional Affiliate members will continue to have access to the hotline. We appreciate your patience as we transition to this new process.
ASCO Hosting "Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009" Audio-Conference Call
ASCO will be hosting their Annual "Adapting to Changes in Medicare" audio-conference call on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (EST). Discussion topics will include:
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Physician Fee Schedule
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System
Review of 2009 PQRI Program and oncology-specific measures
E-prescribing
Oncology Coding Update
For more information, and to register for this call, please visit the ASCO website.
FDA Approves Gleevec For Adjuvant Treatment of Adult Patients Following Complete Gross Resection of Kit (CD117) Positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
On December 19, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Imatinib Mesylate tablets for oral use (Gleevec®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of Kit (CD117) positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
FDA Approves Plerixafor (In Combination With G-CSF) to Mobilize Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM)
On December 15, 2008, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved Plerixafor, solution for subcutaneous injection, (MozobilTM, Genzyme Corp.) for use in combination with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made the PQRI program permanent, but only authorized incentive payments through 2010. Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services furnished during that same period. The 2009 PQRI consists of 153 quality measures and 7 measures groups.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 2009
Conference Title: 2009 PQRI- National Provider Call
Time: 1:30 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 1:30 p.m. EST on January 13, 2009, 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/011409
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 unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 4:30 p.m. EST 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The call- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to:Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****ION NEWS****
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients--Satellite Broadcast Event from Lilly
On Wednesday, January 21, Lilly Oncology will be hosting a satellite broadcast event on histology's role in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC. The discussion will be led by four distinguished faculty experts: Chandra Belani, M.D., Ronald Natale, M.D., Giorgio Scagliotti, M.D., and Mark Socinski, M.D. The program will take place at 7pm EST/ 6pm CST, with an alternate opportunity occuring at 10pm EST/ 9pm CST.
ION members can register by calling 1-888-253-2865 or by going to www.emergingevidence.com.
If you have any questions, please contact your ION relationship manager.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Drug and Biological Injections and Infusions: Use of the Units Field
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Drugs%20and%20Biologicals~Drug%20and%20Biological%20Injections%20and%20Infusions:%20Use%20of%20the%20Units%20Field?opendocument
This is a J1 Part B article regarding how to use the Units field on the
CMS-1500 form for drug and biological injections and infusions. This is
field 24G on the form.
****ASCO NEWS****
Palmetto Allows For Temporary Coverage Change in Response to Leucovorin Shortage
In December 2008, Arthur Lurvey, MD, the Contractor Medical Director for Palmetto GBA (MAC Jurisdiction 1), announced, "Until the supply shortage for Leucovorin has been corrected, we will allow the use of Fusilev (Levoleucovorin) in all places where Leucovorin was and is covered."
Important Changes to ASCO Coding & Reimbursement Hotline Policies & Procedures
Starting January 5, 2009, ASCO has implemented two important changes for the Coding & Reimbursement Hotline. We hope these changes will help expedite responses and improve service to ASCO members.
1) All hotline inquiries should be submitted via e-mail to practice@asco.org. We believe this will help streamline our response process.
2) We are now requesting that inquiries from members and their staff be accompanied by an ASCO member ID number.
State Society Executive Directors who are asking questions on behalf of State/Regional Affiliate members will continue to have access to the hotline. We appreciate your patience as we transition to this new process.
ASCO Hosting "Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009" Audio-Conference Call
ASCO will be hosting their Annual "Adapting to Changes in Medicare" audio-conference call on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (EST). Discussion topics will include:
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Physician Fee Schedule
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System
Review of 2009 PQRI Program and oncology-specific measures
E-prescribing
Oncology Coding Update
For more information, and to register for this call, please visit the ASCO website.
FDA Approves Gleevec For Adjuvant Treatment of Adult Patients Following Complete Gross Resection of Kit (CD117) Positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
On December 19, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Imatinib Mesylate tablets for oral use (Gleevec®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of Kit (CD117) positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
FDA Approves Plerixafor (In Combination With G-CSF) to Mobilize Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM)
On December 15, 2008, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved Plerixafor, solution for subcutaneous injection, (MozobilTM, Genzyme Corp.) for use in combination with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made the PQRI program permanent, but only authorized incentive payments through 2010. Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services furnished during that same period. The 2009 PQRI consists of 153 quality measures and 7 measures groups.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 2009
Conference Title: 2009 PQRI- National Provider Call
Time: 1:30 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 1:30 p.m. EST on January 13, 2009, 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/011409
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 unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 4:30 p.m. EST 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The call- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to:Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****ION NEWS****
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients--Satellite Broadcast Event from Lilly
On Wednesday, January 21, Lilly Oncology will be hosting a satellite broadcast event on histology's role in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC. The discussion will be led by four distinguished faculty experts: Chandra Belani, M.D., Ronald Natale, M.D., Giorgio Scagliotti, M.D., and Mark Socinski, M.D. The program will take place at 7pm EST/ 6pm CST, with an alternate opportunity occuring at 10pm EST/ 9pm CST.
ION members can register by calling 1-888-253-2865 or by going to www.emergingevidence.com.
If you have any questions, please contact your ION relationship manager.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Drug and Biological Injections and Infusions: Use of the Units Field
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Drugs%20and%20Biologicals~Drug%20and%20Biological%20Injections%20and%20Infusions:%20Use%20of%20the%20Units%20Field?opendocument
This is a J1 Part B article regarding how to use the Units field on the
CMS-1500 form for drug and biological injections and infusions. This is
field 24G on the form.
Monday, January 12, 2009
ACCC & CMA News plus Employment Opportunity
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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-12-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Expansion of PET Scans as Cancer Diagnostic Tool
CMS Announces New MAC Awards For Fee-for-Service Claims in 14 States
MedPAC Recommends Full Inpatient, Outpatient Payment Update
New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Medication Reconciliation
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
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) CMA Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
Medical Board Changes CME Reporting Requirements
Obama Administration Looks at Health Care Reform
Physicians Can Earn 2% Medicare Bonus for e-Prescribing
Deadline to Make Medicare Participation Decisions for 2009 Is 12/31
Order CMA's 2009 Model Medical Staff Bylaws
CMA Foundation Publishes 2009 Antibiotic Awareness Toolkit
Save the Date: 2009 Leadership Academy
Benefit of the Week: 30-50% off Epocrates
****EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
An ANCO member practice has the following employment opportunity available.
Busy Oncology/Hematology Practice currently has an opening in our Fremont office for an Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse. We are a continually growing company that provides outpatient oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. We have multiple offices within the Bay Area and pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.
The Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse will work in an outpatient setting and will be responsible for providing direct care to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Will plan, provide and document professional nursing care in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager. Prefer candidates with experience in chemotherapy administration, but willing to provide training for motivated candidates.
Requirements:
• Current California RN license
• Current BCLS
• Prefer OCN or Chemotherapy Provider Card
We offer an excellent benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. At Valley Medical Oncology Consultants we value our employees and believe that the overall success of the company is a direct result of our dedicated and caring staff.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a letter of interest with salary requirements along with your resume to kli@vmoc.com.
****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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-12-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Expansion of PET Scans as Cancer Diagnostic Tool
CMS Announces New MAC Awards For Fee-for-Service Claims in 14 States
MedPAC Recommends Full Inpatient, Outpatient Payment Update
New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Medication Reconciliation
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
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) CMA Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
Medical Board Changes CME Reporting Requirements
Obama Administration Looks at Health Care Reform
Physicians Can Earn 2% Medicare Bonus for e-Prescribing
Deadline to Make Medicare Participation Decisions for 2009 Is 12/31
Order CMA's 2009 Model Medical Staff Bylaws
CMA Foundation Publishes 2009 Antibiotic Awareness Toolkit
Save the Date: 2009 Leadership Academy
Benefit of the Week: 30-50% off Epocrates
****EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
An ANCO member practice has the following employment opportunity available.
Busy Oncology/Hematology Practice currently has an opening in our Fremont office for an Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse. We are a continually growing company that provides outpatient oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. We have multiple offices within the Bay Area and pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.
The Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse will work in an outpatient setting and will be responsible for providing direct care to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Will plan, provide and document professional nursing care in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager. Prefer candidates with experience in chemotherapy administration, but willing to provide training for motivated candidates.
Requirements:
• Current California RN license
• Current BCLS
• Prefer OCN or Chemotherapy Provider Card
We offer an excellent benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. At Valley Medical Oncology Consultants we value our employees and believe that the overall success of the company is a direct result of our dedicated and caring staff.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a letter of interest with salary requirements along with your resume to kli@vmoc.com.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
OneOncology & Onmark Meeting Announcements
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****OneOncology Meeting Announcement****
We hope you'll join us for "The Big Picture: '09 Forecast"
A 1 hour webinar brought to you by OBR
Date: January 12, 2009
Time: 12PM EST / 9AM PST or 3PM EST / 12PM PST
Place: Your office
Amount: $190
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register
Speakers and Titles:
Don Sharpe, MBA
Publisher, Oncology Business Review
"08 In Review"
Joseph Bailes, MD
Noted Oncology Health Policy Expert
"Legislative Concerns for Oncology in '09: Providers, Patients, and Products"
Peter Bach, MD, MAPP
Associate Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
"Buy & Bill Must Go: A Look At How The Cancer Care Delivery Model Could Change Going Forward"
Thomas Barr, MBA
Chief Operating Officer, Oncology Metrics
"News Flash: The Economic Health of Oncology Practices is at the Epicenter of Health Care Reform and an Entire Industry"
A live Q&A will be moderated by Marc Samuels, JD, MPH, Partner, HillCo Partners.
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register.
****Onmark Meeting Announcement****
You are invited to join oncologists from across the country on the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2009 for an interactive educational experience with full audience participation, to be broadcast live from Chicago.
During this satellite broadcast event, 4 distinguished faculty experts will discuss the role of histology in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC patients, followed by an interactive question and answer session.
View the invitation for details at http://www.elabs6.com/content/24791/January%202009/Lilly%20Invite.pdf. Upon registration, you will be asked to select a location from over 150 event venues nationwide.
Program Title:
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients
Registration:
• Phone: 1.888.253.2865
• Online: www.emergingevidence.com
• Fax: 1.800.973.0367
A confirmation will be sent to registrants with program details. This event is supported by Lilly Oncology.
****OneOncology Meeting Announcement****
We hope you'll join us for "The Big Picture: '09 Forecast"
A 1 hour webinar brought to you by OBR
Date: January 12, 2009
Time: 12PM EST / 9AM PST or 3PM EST / 12PM PST
Place: Your office
Amount: $190
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register
Speakers and Titles:
Don Sharpe, MBA
Publisher, Oncology Business Review
"08 In Review"
Joseph Bailes, MD
Noted Oncology Health Policy Expert
"Legislative Concerns for Oncology in '09: Providers, Patients, and Products"
Peter Bach, MD, MAPP
Associate Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
"Buy & Bill Must Go: A Look At How The Cancer Care Delivery Model Could Change Going Forward"
Thomas Barr, MBA
Chief Operating Officer, Oncology Metrics
"News Flash: The Economic Health of Oncology Practices is at the Epicenter of Health Care Reform and an Entire Industry"
A live Q&A will be moderated by Marc Samuels, JD, MPH, Partner, HillCo Partners.
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register.
****Onmark Meeting Announcement****
You are invited to join oncologists from across the country on the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2009 for an interactive educational experience with full audience participation, to be broadcast live from Chicago.
During this satellite broadcast event, 4 distinguished faculty experts will discuss the role of histology in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC patients, followed by an interactive question and answer session.
View the invitation for details at http://www.elabs6.com/content/24791/January%202009/Lilly%20Invite.pdf. Upon registration, you will be asked to select a location from over 150 event venues nationwide.
Program Title:
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients
Registration:
• Phone: 1.888.253.2865
• Online: www.emergingevidence.com
• Fax: 1.800.973.0367
A confirmation will be sent to registrants with program details. This event is supported by Lilly Oncology.
ASCO, ASH, & CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
There is currently a nationwide shortage of injectable racemic leucovorin, available only as a generic drug and only from two manufacturers in the US (Bedford Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the companies have not provided information on how long this shortage, caused by unspecified "manufacturing delays," is expected to last.
What about using levoleucovorin? Levoleucovorin is the levo isomeric form of racemic (d,l )-leucovorin, and is the pharmacologically active isomer of leucovorin. Levoleucovorin is available under the brand name "Fusilev" (Spectrum Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA website, limited supplies of levoleucovorin continue to be available (the ASHP does not list a shortage of this drug). Unlike leucovorin, levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in colorectal cancer or other malignancies (with the exception of use for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma). However, it has been used off-label in the treatment of malignancies, as a substitute for leucovorin, though noninferiority in terms of efficacy has not been tested either for metastatic disease or adjuvant therapy.
If clinicians and patients are considering the use of levoleucovorin, they should note the following:
The dose for levoleucovorin is 50% of the usual dose of racemic leucovorin
Levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for malignancy indications (except as noted above)
The cost of levoleucovorin may be significantly higher than for leucovorin
For the time being, you may wish to check with your Medicare contractor and private insurance carriers for coverage determinations.
The CMS HCPCS code for levoleucovorin is J0641 (effective January 1, 2009). Please see the prescribing label for complete information. (http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/020140s001lbl.pdf).
What about using oral leucovorin? According to the ASHP, leucovorin tablets are still available. Oral leucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in treatment of malignancies (except for methotrexate rescue in osteosarcoma), although its use has been evaluated in that setting. The use of oral leucovorin may be limited by the large number of tablets needed and by the fact that oral absorption of leucovorin is saturable and highly variable.,
What about using capecitabine to substitute for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin? Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of 5FU. For some treatment regimens, for some malignancies, substitution of capecitabine for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin is supported based on high quality randomized clinical trials. However, such data are not available for all 5FU/leucovorin containing regimens.
Capecitabine has been found to be noninferior to IV FU/leucovorin as single agents for both metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer., , In a large randomized phase III trial for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin was found to be noninferior to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). However, in the BICC-C trial, capecitabine and irinotecan (CAPIRI) was less efficacious and more toxic compared to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) at the doses of CAPIRI utilized in that trial. No efficacy data are available from two trials testing capecitabine with oxaliplatin in the adjuvant therapy setting for colon cancer to date.
The side effect profile of capecitabine differs from that for 5FU/leucovorin (e.g. more hand-foot syndrome). When using capecitabine, issues such as patient compliance and gastrointestinal absorption also merit consideration. Complete prescribing information is available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2005/020896s016lbl.pdf.
These decisions obviously need to be made by the treating physician in the context of individual patient circumstances.
What if I have patients enrolled in clinical trials using leucovorin? You should contact the study sponsor for instructions on how to proceed.
What can the FDA do? If shortages are projected to last for several weeks or months, the FDA has authority to investigate alternative sources of leucovorin, including foreign manufacturers. The FDA may also temporarily designate alternative drugs as acceptable but has not done so as of yet.
What can CMS do? ASCO has made CMS aware of this shortage and is advocating for coverage of appropriate alternatives during this shortage.
What is ASCO doing to assist members? ASCO is working with the FDA and CMS to identify and address issues that may surface as providers implement alternative treatment plans during this shortage. Specifically, ASCO will let members know when adequate supplies are expected. We will provide updates as new information becomes available from the manufacturers, FDA, CMS and other insurers. If you have questions, please contact us at policy@asco.org.
This alert is not medical or reimbursement advice or ASCO clinical guidance. Physicians should exercise professional clinical judgment in treating individual patients.
Additional Resources
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Drug Information® Off-label Use Determinations. Levoleucovorin, August 2008. Available at www.ahfsdruginformation.com.
AHFS Drug Information®. Leucovorin Calcium Monograph. Available at ASHP Web site.
ASHP Bulletin, Leucovorin Injection (Drug Shortages). Available at www.ASHP.org.
ASCO will be hosting a national audioconference on Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009 on Thursday, January 22 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM ET. You and your practice staff are invited to participated in this free audioconference. Registration instructions can be found in the attached announcement.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update has been published and is available at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
ASH Continues to Work to Add NIH Funding to Economic Recovery Package
ASH Urges MedPAC to Recommend a Realistic 2009 Physician Fee Update
PQRI 2009 Specifications Released – ASH to Organize Educational Session
Quick Reference on von Willebrand Guideline Now Available
Medicare Implements January 2009 HOPPS Update
Medicare Learning Network Education Material Mailing List Available
Medicare Hosts National Provider Conference Call on PQRI
Medicare Releases Quarterly CCI Update
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the scheduled release of modifications to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set. These changes have been posted to the HCPCS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HCPCSReleaseCodeSets/02_HCPCS_Quarterly_Update.asp in the Downloads section under “Other Codes, April 2009.” Changes are effective on the date indicated on the update.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss the implementation of the Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians and non-physician practitioners.
Today, physicians and non-physician practitioners in 44 States and Washington, D.C. can use Internet-based PECOS to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
CMS expects to expand the availability of Internet-based PECOS for physicians and non-physician practitioners located in California, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Puerto Rico by end of January 2009. In addition, CMS will make Internet-based PECOS available next year to organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers).
During this Special ODF, CMS staff will discuss:
* Advantages of Internet-based PECOS,
* Use of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System User ID and password,
* Process associated with submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, and
* Certification Statement and supporting documentation.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Additional Information
For information about Internet-based PECOS, including important information that physicians and non-physician practitioners should know before submitting a Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/.
We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 75911902
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired.
For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880 and for Internet Relay services click here http://www.consumer.att.com/relay/which/index.html
A Relay Communications Assistant will A Relay Communications Assistant will help.
An audio recording of this Special Forum will be posted to the Special Open Door Forum website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp and will be accessible for downloading beginning January 23, 2009.
For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates (E-Mailing list subscriptions) and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/
MM6070 – Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6070.pdf
SE0822 – Clarification of Medicare Payment for Routine Costs in a Clinical Trial
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0822.pdf
****ASCO NEWS****
There is currently a nationwide shortage of injectable racemic leucovorin, available only as a generic drug and only from two manufacturers in the US (Bedford Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the companies have not provided information on how long this shortage, caused by unspecified "manufacturing delays," is expected to last.
What about using levoleucovorin? Levoleucovorin is the levo isomeric form of racemic (d,l )-leucovorin, and is the pharmacologically active isomer of leucovorin. Levoleucovorin is available under the brand name "Fusilev" (Spectrum Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA website, limited supplies of levoleucovorin continue to be available (the ASHP does not list a shortage of this drug). Unlike leucovorin, levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in colorectal cancer or other malignancies (with the exception of use for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma). However, it has been used off-label in the treatment of malignancies, as a substitute for leucovorin, though noninferiority in terms of efficacy has not been tested either for metastatic disease or adjuvant therapy.
If clinicians and patients are considering the use of levoleucovorin, they should note the following:
The dose for levoleucovorin is 50% of the usual dose of racemic leucovorin
Levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for malignancy indications (except as noted above)
The cost of levoleucovorin may be significantly higher than for leucovorin
For the time being, you may wish to check with your Medicare contractor and private insurance carriers for coverage determinations.
The CMS HCPCS code for levoleucovorin is J0641 (effective January 1, 2009). Please see the prescribing label for complete information. (http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/020140s001lbl.pdf).
What about using oral leucovorin? According to the ASHP, leucovorin tablets are still available. Oral leucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in treatment of malignancies (except for methotrexate rescue in osteosarcoma), although its use has been evaluated in that setting. The use of oral leucovorin may be limited by the large number of tablets needed and by the fact that oral absorption of leucovorin is saturable and highly variable.,
What about using capecitabine to substitute for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin? Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of 5FU. For some treatment regimens, for some malignancies, substitution of capecitabine for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin is supported based on high quality randomized clinical trials. However, such data are not available for all 5FU/leucovorin containing regimens.
Capecitabine has been found to be noninferior to IV FU/leucovorin as single agents for both metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer., , In a large randomized phase III trial for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin was found to be noninferior to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). However, in the BICC-C trial, capecitabine and irinotecan (CAPIRI) was less efficacious and more toxic compared to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) at the doses of CAPIRI utilized in that trial. No efficacy data are available from two trials testing capecitabine with oxaliplatin in the adjuvant therapy setting for colon cancer to date.
The side effect profile of capecitabine differs from that for 5FU/leucovorin (e.g. more hand-foot syndrome). When using capecitabine, issues such as patient compliance and gastrointestinal absorption also merit consideration. Complete prescribing information is available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2005/020896s016lbl.pdf.
These decisions obviously need to be made by the treating physician in the context of individual patient circumstances.
What if I have patients enrolled in clinical trials using leucovorin? You should contact the study sponsor for instructions on how to proceed.
What can the FDA do? If shortages are projected to last for several weeks or months, the FDA has authority to investigate alternative sources of leucovorin, including foreign manufacturers. The FDA may also temporarily designate alternative drugs as acceptable but has not done so as of yet.
What can CMS do? ASCO has made CMS aware of this shortage and is advocating for coverage of appropriate alternatives during this shortage.
What is ASCO doing to assist members? ASCO is working with the FDA and CMS to identify and address issues that may surface as providers implement alternative treatment plans during this shortage. Specifically, ASCO will let members know when adequate supplies are expected. We will provide updates as new information becomes available from the manufacturers, FDA, CMS and other insurers. If you have questions, please contact us at policy@asco.org.
This alert is not medical or reimbursement advice or ASCO clinical guidance. Physicians should exercise professional clinical judgment in treating individual patients.
Additional Resources
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Drug Information® Off-label Use Determinations. Levoleucovorin, August 2008. Available at www.ahfsdruginformation.com.
AHFS Drug Information®. Leucovorin Calcium Monograph. Available at ASHP Web site.
ASHP Bulletin, Leucovorin Injection (Drug Shortages). Available at www.ASHP.org.
ASCO will be hosting a national audioconference on Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009 on Thursday, January 22 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM ET. You and your practice staff are invited to participated in this free audioconference. Registration instructions can be found in the attached announcement.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update has been published and is available at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
ASH Continues to Work to Add NIH Funding to Economic Recovery Package
ASH Urges MedPAC to Recommend a Realistic 2009 Physician Fee Update
PQRI 2009 Specifications Released – ASH to Organize Educational Session
Quick Reference on von Willebrand Guideline Now Available
Medicare Implements January 2009 HOPPS Update
Medicare Learning Network Education Material Mailing List Available
Medicare Hosts National Provider Conference Call on PQRI
Medicare Releases Quarterly CCI Update
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the scheduled release of modifications to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set. These changes have been posted to the HCPCS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HCPCSReleaseCodeSets/02_HCPCS_Quarterly_Update.asp in the Downloads section under “Other Codes, April 2009.” Changes are effective on the date indicated on the update.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss the implementation of the Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians and non-physician practitioners.
Today, physicians and non-physician practitioners in 44 States and Washington, D.C. can use Internet-based PECOS to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
CMS expects to expand the availability of Internet-based PECOS for physicians and non-physician practitioners located in California, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Puerto Rico by end of January 2009. In addition, CMS will make Internet-based PECOS available next year to organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers).
During this Special ODF, CMS staff will discuss:
* Advantages of Internet-based PECOS,
* Use of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System User ID and password,
* Process associated with submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, and
* Certification Statement and supporting documentation.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Additional Information
For information about Internet-based PECOS, including important information that physicians and non-physician practitioners should know before submitting a Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/.
We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 75911902
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired.
For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880 and for Internet Relay services click here http://www.consumer.att.com/relay/which/index.html
A Relay Communications Assistant will A Relay Communications Assistant will help.
An audio recording of this Special Forum will be posted to the Special Open Door Forum website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp and will be accessible for downloading beginning January 23, 2009.
For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates (E-Mailing list subscriptions) and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoorforums/
MM6070 – Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6070.pdf
SE0822 – Clarification of Medicare Payment for Routine Costs in a Clinical Trial
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0822.pdf
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
DHCS/MediCal & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) mandates that all physician-administered drug claims require a National Drug Code (NDC). In order to comply with the DRA, providers must bill for these drugs using the appropriate CPT-4, HCPCS Level II, or local HCPCS Level III codes and, in addition, must include the NDC on the claim form. Providers have been encouraged, for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008, to include the NDC code on the claim, but claims without an NDC code have still been paid. An analysis of providers’ voluntary NDC submissions (for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008) indicates that physician-administered drug claims are being submitted without the NDC. Providers are reminded that, claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2009 that do not meet the NDC reporting requirements to include a valid NDC with a HCPCS code, will be denied. [FPACT only] HCPCS codes X1500 and Z7610 used by the Family PACT (Planning, Access, Care and Treatment) Progr
am do not require an NDC. For more information on NDC reporting, including FAQs, please visit the NDC page on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/ndc.asp
Note: Only those products manufactured by companies participating in the federal Medicaid rebate program are reimbursable under Medi-Cal. A list of manufacturers participating in the rebate program, which changes periodically, is available in the Medi-Cal part 2 manuals (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient provider manuals) under Drugs: Contract Drugs List Part 5 – Authorized Manufacturer Labeler Codes (drugs cdl p5) or on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/DocFrame.asp?wURL=publications%2Fmasters%2Dmtp%2Fpart2%2Fdrugscdlp5%5Fi00m00o00p00%2Edoc
Resources
The ASC X12N Version 4010A1 Companion Guides have been updated and are available on the Medi-Cal Web site at http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/hipaa/hipaaspecs_home.asp . Additionally, the September Part 2 provider bulletins (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient) include NDC information, physician-administered drug definitions, billing descriptions and examples for CMS 1500 and UB-04 paper claim forms, as well as both 837 Institutional and Professional electronic formats, and Section 340B information. These bulletins can be viewed on the Medi-Cal Web site at http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/Bulletins_menu.asp . Finally, the CMS 1500 and UB-04 claim form tutorials on the Medi-Cal Web site have been updated and can be viewed at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/eo/elearning.asp .
Provider Workshops
In addition, training workshops have been scheduled in January and February 2009 to address NDC reporting. The dates, times and locations of these workshops, and how to pre-register, can be found on the Medi-Cal Web site on the NDC page: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/articles/ndc_9992.asp .
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 or visit the Medi-Cal Web site at the address listed above.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
1099 Forms for 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Ohio%20Part%20B%20Carrier~Articles~General~1099%20Forms%20for%202008?opendocument
By January 31, 2009, your 2008 1099 from Palmetto GBA, LLC (serving as a
Medicare contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS))
will be mailed. Upon receipt, please review the document closely and
contact us immediately if you notice any discrepancies in your name, tax
identification number, or dollar amount reported.
Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule
and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Calendar%20Year%20(CY)%202009%20Annual%20Update%20for%20Clinical%20Laboratory%20Fee%20Schedule%20and%20Laboratory%20Services%20Subject%20to%20Reasonable%20Charge%20Payment%20?opendocument
MLN article 6070 is titled Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for
Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to
Reasonable Charge Payment. It provides instructions for the Calendar Year
(CY) 2009 clinical laboratory fee schedule, mapping for new codes for
clinical laboratory tests, and updates for laboratory costs subject to the
reasonable charge payment.
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
MLN article 6328, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update,
applies to physicians, providers, and suppliers who bill Medicare
contractors (carriers, fiscal intermediaries (FI), regional home health
intermediaries (RHHI), Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MAC), and
Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC) for
services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
Password Changes for ALL Current J1 PPTN Users
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Password%20Changes%20for%20ALL%20Current%20J1%20PPTN%20Users?opendocument
Password Changes for ALL Current PPTN Users - Beginning January 5, 2009,
all Professional Provider Telecommunication Network (PPTN) users will be
required to reset their Clerk ID password and then update it every 30 days.
Palmetto GBA has created a step-by-step instruction guide to help you
navigate the new PPTN screens. Please see notice linked below for more
details.
Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0,
Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~MLNs~General~Quarterly%20Update%20to%20Correct%20Coding%20Initiative%20(CCI)%20Edits,%20Version%2015.0,%20Effective%20January%201,%202009?opendocument
MLN article 6290, Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI)
Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009, applies to physicians
submitting claims to Medicare Carriers and/or Part A/B Medicare
Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs) for services provided to Medicare
beneficiaries.
Streamlining J1 Part B LCDs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Streamlining%20J1%20Part%20B%20LCDs?opendocument
This article is to notify J1 Part B providers that the Palmetto Team plans
to streamline the Part B LCDs on February 26, 2009, by implementing a
single set of J1 LCDs, with a single LCD Database ID Number, that will
apply to all Part B providers in J1.
****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) mandates that all physician-administered drug claims require a National Drug Code (NDC). In order to comply with the DRA, providers must bill for these drugs using the appropriate CPT-4, HCPCS Level II, or local HCPCS Level III codes and, in addition, must include the NDC on the claim form. Providers have been encouraged, for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008, to include the NDC code on the claim, but claims without an NDC code have still been paid. An analysis of providers’ voluntary NDC submissions (for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008) indicates that physician-administered drug claims are being submitted without the NDC. Providers are reminded that, claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2009 that do not meet the NDC reporting requirements to include a valid NDC with a HCPCS code, will be denied. [FPACT only] HCPCS codes X1500 and Z7610 used by the Family PACT (Planning, Access, Care and Treatment) Progr
am do not require an NDC. For more information on NDC reporting, including FAQs, please visit the NDC page on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/ndc.asp
Note: Only those products manufactured by companies participating in the federal Medicaid rebate program are reimbursable under Medi-Cal. A list of manufacturers participating in the rebate program, which changes periodically, is available in the Medi-Cal part 2 manuals (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient provider manuals) under Drugs: Contract Drugs List Part 5 – Authorized Manufacturer Labeler Codes (drugs cdl p5) or on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/DocFrame.asp?wURL=publications%2Fmasters%2Dmtp%2Fpart2%2Fdrugscdlp5%5Fi00m00o00p00%2Edoc
Resources
The ASC X12N Version 4010A1 Companion Guides have been updated and are available on the Medi-Cal Web site at http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/hipaa/hipaaspecs_home.asp . Additionally, the September Part 2 provider bulletins (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient) include NDC information, physician-administered drug definitions, billing descriptions and examples for CMS 1500 and UB-04 paper claim forms, as well as both 837 Institutional and Professional electronic formats, and Section 340B information. These bulletins can be viewed on the Medi-Cal Web site at http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/Bulletins_menu.asp . Finally, the CMS 1500 and UB-04 claim form tutorials on the Medi-Cal Web site have been updated and can be viewed at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/eo/elearning.asp .
Provider Workshops
In addition, training workshops have been scheduled in January and February 2009 to address NDC reporting. The dates, times and locations of these workshops, and how to pre-register, can be found on the Medi-Cal Web site on the NDC page: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/articles/ndc_9992.asp .
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 or visit the Medi-Cal Web site at the address listed above.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
1099 Forms for 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Ohio%20Part%20B%20Carrier~Articles~General~1099%20Forms%20for%202008?opendocument
By January 31, 2009, your 2008 1099 from Palmetto GBA, LLC (serving as a
Medicare contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS))
will be mailed. Upon receipt, please review the document closely and
contact us immediately if you notice any discrepancies in your name, tax
identification number, or dollar amount reported.
Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule
and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Calendar%20Year%20(CY)%202009%20Annual%20Update%20for%20Clinical%20Laboratory%20Fee%20Schedule%20and%20Laboratory%20Services%20Subject%20to%20Reasonable%20Charge%20Payment%20?opendocument
MLN article 6070 is titled Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for
Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to
Reasonable Charge Payment. It provides instructions for the Calendar Year
(CY) 2009 clinical laboratory fee schedule, mapping for new codes for
clinical laboratory tests, and updates for laboratory costs subject to the
reasonable charge payment.
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
MLN article 6328, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update,
applies to physicians, providers, and suppliers who bill Medicare
contractors (carriers, fiscal intermediaries (FI), regional home health
intermediaries (RHHI), Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MAC), and
Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC) for
services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
Password Changes for ALL Current J1 PPTN Users
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Password%20Changes%20for%20ALL%20Current%20J1%20PPTN%20Users?opendocument
Password Changes for ALL Current PPTN Users - Beginning January 5, 2009,
all Professional Provider Telecommunication Network (PPTN) users will be
required to reset their Clerk ID password and then update it every 30 days.
Palmetto GBA has created a step-by-step instruction guide to help you
navigate the new PPTN screens. Please see notice linked below for more
details.
Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0,
Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~MLNs~General~Quarterly%20Update%20to%20Correct%20Coding%20Initiative%20(CCI)%20Edits,%20Version%2015.0,%20Effective%20January%201,%202009?opendocument
MLN article 6290, Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI)
Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009, applies to physicians
submitting claims to Medicare Carriers and/or Part A/B Medicare
Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs) for services provided to Medicare
beneficiaries.
Streamlining J1 Part B LCDs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Streamlining%20J1%20Part%20B%20LCDs?opendocument
This article is to notify J1 Part B providers that the Palmetto Team plans
to streamline the Part B LCDs on February 26, 2009, by implementing a
single set of J1 LCDs, with a single LCD Database ID Number, that will
apply to all Part B providers in J1.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made the PQRI program permanent, but only authorized incentive payments through 2010. Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services furnished during that same period. The 2009 PQRI consists of 153 quality measures and 7 measures groups.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 2009
Conference Title: 2009 PQRI- National Provider Call
Time: 1:30 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 1:30 p.m. EST on January 13, 2009, 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/011409
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 unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 2:30 p.m. EST 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The cal- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to: Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made the PQRI program permanent, but only authorized incentive payments through 2010. Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services furnished during that same period. The 2009 PQRI consists of 153 quality measures and 7 measures groups.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 2009
Conference Title: 2009 PQRI- National Provider Call
Time: 1:30 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 1:30 p.m. EST on January 13, 2009, 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/011409
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 unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 2:30 p.m. EST 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The cal- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to: Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
Monday, January 5, 2009
ACCC, ASCO, & CMS 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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-05-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
ACCC Submits Comments to CMS on HOPPS Final Rule
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
FDA Approves New Drug for Prostate Cancer
New Spanish Language Educations Resources Available from NCI
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: ESA Claims and Coding
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
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe571578736d02757714&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf112797d60067f7116717d&l=fe52157576620c787c1c&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3316717d640678721572. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
ASCO Recognized by FDA and Honored with Award
Deadline Approaching to Submit an Abstract for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASCO's Newest Issue of Clinical Cancer Advances Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Year End Update on Cancer Policy Activities
Early Registration Deadline for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium: Jan. 23
Read the Newest JCO Original Report on the Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Read the Newest JOP Feature, "Continued Regulatory Actions Affecting the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)"
Apply for the Medical Student Rotation, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Apply for the Resident Travel Award, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Don't Miss Out on the Event, Cancer Advances: A Public Forum on Gastrointestinal Cancers
Cancer.Net Feature: Top Cancer Advances in 2008
Cancer.Net Podcast: Clinical Cancer Advances 2008
****CMS NEWS****
MM6328 – Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6328.pdf
MM6290 – Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6290.pdf
****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/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-05-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
ACCC Submits Comments to CMS on HOPPS Final Rule
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
FDA Approves New Drug for Prostate Cancer
New Spanish Language Educations Resources Available from NCI
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: ESA Claims and Coding
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
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe571578736d02757714&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf112797d60067f7116717d&l=fe52157576620c787c1c&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3316717d640678721572. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
ASCO Recognized by FDA and Honored with Award
Deadline Approaching to Submit an Abstract for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASCO's Newest Issue of Clinical Cancer Advances Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Year End Update on Cancer Policy Activities
Early Registration Deadline for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium: Jan. 23
Read the Newest JCO Original Report on the Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Read the Newest JOP Feature, "Continued Regulatory Actions Affecting the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)"
Apply for the Medical Student Rotation, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Apply for the Resident Travel Award, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Don't Miss Out on the Event, Cancer Advances: A Public Forum on Gastrointestinal Cancers
Cancer.Net Feature: Top Cancer Advances in 2008
Cancer.Net Podcast: Clinical Cancer Advances 2008
****CMS NEWS****
MM6328 – Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6328.pdf
MM6290 – Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6290.pdf
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