ASH & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


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

Update on Health Reform: Senate Finance Committee Vote on Health Reform Delayed, Obstacles to Passage Continue
Hematology Services Identified as Potential Issues in National Rollout of RAC Program

ASH Requesting Member Assistance on Validation of PQRI Hematology Measures

2009 PQRI National Provider Call with Question and Answer Session Scheduled for October 15

FDA Announces Change in Heparin USP Monograph

ASH Requests National Coverage Determination for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

DHHS Releases Guidance to Providers on Data Breaches - Congressional Leadership Requests Repeal of "Harm Standard" for Breach Notification

First Coast Service Options and Wisconsin Physician Service Release Revised LCDs on ESAs


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Influenza Vaccine Payment Allowances - Annual Update for 2009-2010 Season
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Change Request
(CR) 6608 in order to update payment allowances, effective September 1,
2009, for influenza vaccines when payment is based on 95 percent of the
average wholesale price (AWP). Please review and share with your staff
members.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7WLPW23552?opendocument


J1 Part B LCD Update
The notice for the following J1 Part B LCDs began October 1 : Category III
CPT Codes L28248, Implantable Infusion Pump For Treatment of Chronic
Intractable Pain L28268 and MammaPrint Test – Breast Cancer Prognosis
L30376. The J1 Part B Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) L29888 LCD
has been revised. Please review and share with your staff members.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7WLNLS0502?opendocument


Medicare Fee-for-Services (MFFS) Billing for the Administration of the
Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Vaccinea
This article was revised on September 10, 2009.The title of the article was
changed and there were references to two MLN Matters® articles (MM6626 and
MM6617) added to the Additional Information section. All other information
remains the same. This article explains Medicare coverage and reimbursement
rules for the H1N1 vaccine. All providers administering this vaccine should
review this article and be sure that their billing staffs are aware of this
information.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7WKRME0800?opendocument


Registration is Open for J1 MACtoberfest October 29-30
Registration is now open for MACtoberfest, our fall face-to-face education
series, in Las Vegas October 29 through 30. It's the last in-person event
of the year and provides an opportunity to interact face to face with
Palmetto GBA representatives and other key Medicare partners.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7W4L6L1805?opendocument


Influenza, H1N1 and Pneumococcal Vaccines and Administration Reimbursement
Updated reimbursement amounts are now available for influenza, H1N1, and
pneumococcal vaccines and administration. These services are paid at 100
percent. Coinsurance and the annual deductible do not apply.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7KDJPF8521?opendocument


The ANCO Online ListServ has moved and is now sent directly from the ANCO office computer. Please contact ListServ@anco-online.org if you wish to update or unsubscribe your e-mail address. Thanks!