ASCO, CMS, & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe4f157970610c7b701d&m=ff311d707460&ls=fde71372736202747417777c&l=fe5e1575706c067d7d10&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3216727260007d751579. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

House and Senate Approve Budget Resolutions for FY 2010

ASCO Urges House Members to Co-Sponsor ASP Legislation

Reps. Capps and Boustany Introduce the Comprehensive Cancer Care Improvement Act of 2009

Urge Your Senators to Co-Sponsor Clinical Trials Legislation

Sens. Kennedy and Hutchison Introduce 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act

Sen. Schumer Introduces Bill to Allow for FDA Approval of Generic Biologics

House Approves Tobacco Control Legislation

Dr. Lichter Meets with White House on Health Reform

ASCO Sends IOM Comparative Effectiveness Research Priorities

CMS Issues National Coverage Determination to Expand PET Coverage

New Edition of Practical Tips for the Oncology Practice - JUST RELEASED!

NCI Announces Clinical Trials Awareness Tools for Patients

Join ASCO's Advocacy Network

ASCO Extends Resources to Practice Administrators


****CMS NEWS****
The General Equivalence Mappings – ICD-9-CM To and From ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Fact Sheet (March 2009), which provides information and resources regarding the General Equivalence Mappings that were developed as a tool to assist with the conversion of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes to International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) and the conversion of ICD-10 codes back to ICD-9-CM, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/ICD-10_GEM_factsheet.pdf . The General Equivalence Mappings information discussed in this fact sheet has also been posted in the CMS Frequently Asked Questions database at https://questions.cms.hhs.gov/cgi-bin/cmshhs.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=l2s5Zouj . If you are unable to access any of the hyperlinks in this message, please copy and paste the
URL into your Internet browser.


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
CMS: Getting Started With Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and
Ownership System (PECOS) April 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Resources~Provider%20Enrollment~General~CMS%20Getting%20Started%20With%20Internet-based%20Provider%20Enrollment%20Chain%20and%20Ownership%20System%20(PECOS)%20April%201%202009?opendocument

If the above link does not work in your e-mail program, please use the
temporary alternate link provided below.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/docsCat/8525746A00550AA385257591005E9C46?opendocument

This J1 article provides a informational guide for provider and supplier
organizations who wish to use Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and
Ownership System (PECOS). A detailed explanation on user eligibility and
program procedures and answers to some frequently asked questions are also
included.


Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Resources~Provider%20Enrollment~Internet-Based%20Provider%20Enrollment%20Chain%20and%20Ownership%20System%20(PECOS)?opendocument

If the above link does not work in your e-mail program, please use the
temporary alternate link provided below.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/docsCat/8525746A00550AA3852575900046941E?opendocument

This J1 Internet based PECOS article assists providers to determine when to
contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) External User
Services (EUS) Help Desk and when to contact the Medicare Provider
Enrollment Contractors.


Provider Contact Center to be Closed Four Hours on Friday
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Provider%20Contact%20Center%20to%20be%20Closed%20Four%20Hours%20on%20Friday?opendocument

If the above link does not work in your e-mail program, please use the
temporary alternate link provided below.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/docsCat/8525746A00550AA385257591005E7CB0?opendocument

The J1 Provider Contact Center will be closed for training Friday from 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. The call center will reopen at 3 p.m. PST on Friday.