Millennium Meeting

P4 Healthcare and Millennium (an ANCO Corporate Member) are hosting Optimizing Outcomes and Survival in Multiple Myeloma on Thursday, March 5th. Visit http://www.medtrendintl.com/go/invite/p4a/mtvc for more information and to register.

Breaking News. Not only will there be live dinners being hosted at restaurants in San Francisco and Sacramento (as listed on the invitation, attached), but P4 Healthcare and Millennium have added restaurant venues in Walnut Creek and San Jose, as well. Dinners will start at 5:30pm PT, with the program beginning at 6:30pm PT.

If you are unable to attend the actual dinners, due to locations or schedule conflicts, you can still attend via the Web. You may join either the “East” program, which starts at 4:30pm PT, or the later “West” program, which begins at 6:30pm PT.

For additional information, or to register, contact:

Louis W. Chinn
Senior Director, Physician Network Services
Email: LChinn@P4Healthcare.com
Mobile: 650-678-2450
Fax: 650-573-5161
www.P4Healthcare.com

ASCO, ASH, 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=fe6515797466047b7214&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdf8137271640478771d727d&l=fe62157570620c7d7615&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2d167277630078751375. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

President Obama Submits FY 2010 Budget to Congress

House Leaders Introducing Bill to Remove Prompt-Pay Discounts

ASCO Makes Recommendations to NCI for Stimulus Funding

House Passes Omnibus Budget Bill for FY 2009

ASCO and AUA Release Guideline on Use of 5-ARIs for Prostate Cancer Prevention

ASCO Joins AMA to Voice Concern on FTC "Red Flags Rule"

Update on ASCO EHR Social Networking Site

Update on Federal and State Clinical Trials Legislation

ASCO and ONS Seek Comments on Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards

Join ASCO's Advocacy Network

ASCO Extends Resources to Practice Administrators


****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update was published today and is available online at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/02262009.cfm. This edition features:

Last Chance to Register! PQRI and E-Prescribing Webinar: Nuts and Bolts

Physician Payments Sunshine Act Introduced in Congress

President Obama Signs Stimulus Bill

NIH Plans Study on Pharmacogenomic Testing and Warfarin

Bills Seek to Strengthen Stem Cell Research

Medicare Launches New Site for E-Prescribing

Medicare Releases Table of FFS Web Sites

Presentations Available from AHRQ 2008 Annual Conference

ASH Renewing its Membership in the American Medical Association House of Delegates


****CMS NEWS****
MM6383 – Changes to the Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit Software for April 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6383.pdf

MM6336 – Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC) and Claim Adjustment Reason Code (CARC) Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6336.pdf

MM6356 – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Codes Subject to and Excluded from Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Edits
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6356.pdf

MM6380 – April 2009 Quarterly Average Sales Price (ASP) Medicare Part B Drug Pricing Files and Revisions to Prior Quarterly Pricing Files
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6380.pdf


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Changes to the Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit
Software for April 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Changes%20to%20the%20Laboratory%20National%20Coverage%20Determination%20(NCD)%20Edit%20Software%20for%20April%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/8525746A00550AA38525756800656622?opendocument

CR6383, Changes to the Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD)
Edit Software for April 2009, announces the changes that will be included
in the April 2009 release of Medicare’s edit module for clinical diagnostic
laboratory National Coverage Determinations (NCDs).

Remittance Advice Remark Code (RARC) and Claim Adjustment Reason Code
(CARC) Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Remittance%20Advice%20Remark%20Code%20(RARC)%20and%20Claim%20Adjustment%20Reason%20Code%20(CARC)%20Update?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/8525746A00550AA38525756800657723?opendocument

CR 6336 announces the latest update of Remittance Advice Remark Codes
(RARCs) and Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARCs), effective April 1, 2009,
for Medicare.

Implementation of New Provider Authentication Requirements for Medicare
Contractor Provider Telephone and Written Inquiries
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Implementation%20of%20New%20Provider%20Authentication%20Requirements%20for%20Medicare%20Contractor%20Provider%20Telephone%20and%20Written%20Inquiries?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/8525746A00550AA38525756700713924?opendocument

CR6139, Implementation of New Provider Authentication Requirements for
Medicare Contractor Provider Telephone and Written Inquiries, addresses the
necessary provider authentication requirements to complete IVR transactions
and calls with a Customer Service Representative (CSR).

New Information on Request for Part B Redetermination or Reopening Form
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Forms~New%20Information%20on%20Request%20for%20Part%20B%20Redetermination%20or%20Reopening%20Form?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/8525746A00550AA385257567006D3DAE?opendocument

This document contains information on the updated Request for Part B
Redetermination or Reopening Form.

Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Part B LCD Updates
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Part%20B%20LCD%20Updates?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/8525746A00550AA38525756600500E31?opendocument

This Part B LCD update includes LCDs being submitted for comment and
revisions to existing LCDs.

ACCC, CMA, & NCCN 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 and is available at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_2-23-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

An Economic Stimulus Package Just for You at ACCC's Annual National Meeting

Sneak Peek: ACCC Meeting to Showcase More Than 60 Exhibitors

ACCC Testifies at APC Panel Meeting, Panel Makes Recommendations for 2010

CMS's RAC Program Reinstated

Economic Stimulus Legislation Includes Funds for Healthcare IT, Prevention

CMS Memo Proposes No Coverage of Screening CT Colonography

ACCC Seeks MORE Cancer Program Administrators to Take Our Survey

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Clinical Research Update, Percent Accruals

ACCC's CE Blackboard: A Full Range of Courses

Check Out ACCC's Facebook Page

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:

Schwarzenegger Signs Budget Deal; Medi-Cal Largely Unscathed

Stimulus Package Provides $87 Billion for Medicaid Programs; $19 Billion for HIT

Joint Commission Requires Ongoing Collection of Physician Performance Data

It’s Time to Prebook Vaccine for 2009-2010 Flu Season

Leadership Academy Registration Is Now Open

Don't Miss These Upcoming CMA Webinars

Last Chance to Take CMA's Physician Survey

Member Benefit of the Week: 6% off athenaCollector


****NCCN NEWS****
NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates™
based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™
and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™

Newly released NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates™:

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Uterine Neoplasms

NCCN is developing a library of chemotherapy order templates to improve the safe use of drugs and biologics in cancer care. The information contained in the NCCN Templates is based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™. The NCCN Templates include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, supportive care agents, monitoring parameters, and safety instructions. Special instructions for self-administered chemotherapeutic agents are provided.

The following NCCN Templates are now available: Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Colon Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancers, Kidney Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer,Testicular Cancer, and Uterine Neoplasms.

Coming Soon: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Bone Cancer, Central Nervous System Cancers, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Esophageal Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Head and Neck Cancers, Hodgkin Disease/Lymphoma, Melanoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers, Occult Primary, Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Rectal Cancer, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, and Thyroid Carcinoma.

Disclaimer: These templates are a peer-reviewed statement of the consensus of the authors derived from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment. These templates do not constitute orders. Any clinician seeking to treat a patient using the templates is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances of a specific patients care or treatment. NCCN disclaims all warranties, express or implied including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. NCCN does not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the templates or make any representation regarding the use or the results of the use of the templates in treatment. In no event shall NCCN or its members be liable for any damages including without limitation incidental, indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the templates including, without limitation, loss of life, loss of data, loss of income or profit, losses sustained as a result of any injury to any person, or loss or damage to property or claims of third parties.

Access the latest updates at www.nccn.org.

ASH, CMS, & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****ASH NEWS****
ASH and CMS are hosting a webinar on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and the E-Prescribing programs. For beginners, this webinar will cover the basics of how to report the 2009 PQRI quality measures through claims-based reporting and to complete the E-Prescribing measure. For those who are current participants, this is an opportunity to get answers to questions about these programs.

The webinar will take place on March 6, 2009, from 12:00 noon to 1:15 p.m., EST.

Sylvia Publ, CMS Senior Quality Advisor, will discuss the basics of how to satisfactorily report the 2009 PQRI quality measures and to participate in the E-Prescribing program. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

The webinar focuses on assisting hematologists as well as their office staff who may benefit from a greater understanding of the PQRI and E-Prescribing process. We encourage you to pass this information along to your members so that they may participate in this informative discussion. You may advise them to contact Matt Eckel at grassroots@hematology.org to sign up for this webinar and to get answers to any further questions they may have.



****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, or view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare.

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 two-page Certification Statement and mail the Certification Statement and all supporting paper documentation to the Medicare contractor within 7 days of electronic submission.

Note: A Medicare contractor will not process an Internet enrollment application without the signed and dated Certification Statement. 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.

While CMS encourages physicians and non-physician practitioners print and retain a copy of the enrollment record for their records, physicians and non-physician practitioners should only mail the two-page Certification Statement to the designated contractor.

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.

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.


The revised Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (February 2009), which provides general information about the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, coverage of clinical laboratory services, and how payment rates are set, is now available from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network in downloadable format at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/clinical_lab_fee_schedule_fact_sheet.pdf .


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Per Palmetto/J1MAC, recent denials of iron dextran were in error and there will be a mass adjustment in the near future.

Cancer.Net & CMS 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/.


****Cancer.Net NEWS****
Need help understanding your medical costs? Want to know where to turn for help? Don't miss the new Managing the Cost of Cancer Care guide at http://www.cancer.net/patient/Diagnosis+and+Treatment/Managing+the+Cost+of+Cancer+Care to help you start and facilitate talks with your health care team about this important topic.

Knowing what costs to expect helps you budget and plan your finances, but not all costs may be obvious at first. Read more about understanding your costs and what to know about "hidden costs," such as extra transportation to and from treatment and additional child care. Talking with your doctor about your costs as early as possible helps, but bringing up financial matters is difficult-especially if you don't know what to say or ask. Get thesetips and questions to ask about costs. For example, try starting the talk by saying: "I'm worried about costs related to my cancer treatment. Can we talk about my concerns?"

If you are struggling with costs, don't be afraid to ask for help. Get a list of financial resources and organizations that offer help for people with cancer facing financial challenges. Plus, throughout your treatment you may come across unfamiliar terms related to insurance and finances. Know the difference between co-insurance and a co-pay? Check out this handy glossary of cost-related terms.


****CMS NEWS****
MM6330 – Clarification on Use of National Drug Codes (NDCs) in 837 I Billing
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6330.pdf

MM6139 – Implementation of New Provider Authentication Requirements for Medicare Contractor Provider Telephone and Written Inquiries
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6139.pdf

MM6332 – Correction to the Common Working File (CWF) for Late Re-certifications
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6332.pdf

ACCC, DHCS/MediCal, & NOCR News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_2-17-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

Register by February 20 to SAVE, Just 5 Weeks Until ACCC's National Meeting

Sneak Peek: ACCC Meeting to Showcase More Than 60 Exhibitors

"Find a Cancer Program" Directory Updated Online, Is Your Profile Complete?

Costs Force Some Cancer Survivors to Pass on Healthcare

ACCC Seeks Cancer Program Administrators to Take Survey

Training Workshop for Psychosocial Intervention Program

Survey Looks at Reimbursement, Support System Concerns in Oncology Practices

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Decreasing Length of Stay

ACCC's CE Blackboard: A Full Range of Courses

ACCC Is Now on Facebook

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings


****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
In an effort to reach out to the Medi-Cal provider community, the eTAR training team is providing associations with useful information regarding the electronic submission process of Treatment Authorization Requests (TARs) to share with members.

eTAR is an easy, effective, fast and free way to submit TARs. Providers that utilize the eTAR application are generally more successful when submitting TARs. Most Medi-Cal providers have been activated to use eTAR. To verify access, go to www.medi-cal.ca.gov, select the Transactions tab and log in with your NPI and PIN. An eTAR tab with options for Medical TARs will be available. If you do not have access or only see options for Inquire only, please contact Medi-Cal at 1-800-541-5555 and follow the prompts for eTAR to request access.

The eTAR training team would like to extend an invitation to access the free learning tools available to all Medi-Cal providers. Web based tutorials are available online to provide step by step instructions on how to submit eTARs and attachments, update eTARs, as well as inquire on previously submitted TARs. These tutorials can be viewed at http://pro.medi-cal.ca.gov/wct/etar/etarms05/etarms05default.asp or on the Medi-Cal Web site under "eLearning" and "eTAR Medical Services Tutorial.” An advertisement for the eTAR application is also located on the Medi-Cal Web site at http://pro.medi-cal.ca.gov/wct/etar/ad/AdeTar.asp to show benefits of using the eTAR application.

The following are the free Medi-Cal seminars where eTAR will be taught. Parking fees may apply. For more information about Training seminars, please visit the Medi-Cal Web site.

Burlingame Feb. 24-25, 2009
Doubletree Hotel San Francisco
835 Airport Blvd.
Burlingame, CA 94010

Redding March 10 - 11
Redding Convention Center
700 Auditorium Drive
Redding, CA 96001

Fresno May 12 - 14, 2009
Fresno Convention Center
800 M Street
Fresno, CA 93721

San Jose - July 14 - 16, 2009
San Jose Convention Center
408 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95110

Santa Rosa - Sept. 10-11, 2009
Hilton Sonoma Wine Country
3555 Round Barn Boulevard
Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Regional representatives are available to provide one-on-one trainings to assist providers in learning how to use the eTAR application. To request free onsite training from a regional representative, please contact Medi-Cal at 1-800-541-5555.


As you may remember, DHCS held a roundtable in October 2006 to discuss the NDC reporting requirements mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. In July 2007, CMS addressed issues and concerns as part of the public comment for Section 42, CFR Part 447, Medicaid Program; Prescription Drugs; Final Rule. We are still hearing many of those concerns today in our wokshops. Those comments include operational difficulties that may exist for some hospitals, utilization data collection, emergency room considerations, inclusion of outpatient hospitals and clinics, etc. In order to assist you in responding to your member providers, click here to access the link to the final rule: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/07-3356.htm

In order to comply with the DRA, providers must bill for physician-adminstered 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. Unfortunately, we are seeing minimal voluntary submissions of NDC and now is the time for providers to practice how they are going to comply. 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) Program do not require an NDC.

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 . These guides will enable technical staff or software vendors to update your software to include the NDC requirements. 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 Training Workshops
Additional training workshops have been scheduled in February and March 2009 to address the NDC reporting requirements. This workshop will also be held in Burlingame on 2/24 and 2/25 then again in Long Beach on 3/24 and 3/25. The dates, times and locations of these workshops and how to pre-register can be found on the Medi-Cal Web site: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/eo/training.asp

Medi-Cal Website:
The NDC section of the Medi-Cal website (http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/ndc.asp) contains all information related to the NDC reporting requirements, including links to FAQs.


****NOCR NEWS****
The 15th Annual NOCR Meeting is being held March 13-14, 2009, Details are listed below. The complete conference announcement is available for your review online at http://www.imedex.com/AppWeb/announcements/a083-01.asp.

15th Annual NOCR Meeting
March 13-14, 2009
Las Vegas, NV – Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel
CME: 12.5 hours, category 1 AMA-PRA

This symposium is an annual update that uses patterns of practice questions, clinical case discussions, debates, and panel discussions for exchanging information on the diagnosis and management of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Throughout the clinical sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with our internationally renowned faculty through and audience response system. Clinical presentations will be brief, focused, and designed to provide take home messages regarding changes in the day to day practice of oncology.

Website: http://www.imedex.com/AppWeb/announcements/a083-01.asp
Contact: meetings@imedex.com; tel: 770 751 7332, fax: 770 751 7334

ASCO & CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****ASCO NEWS****
The recent growth of online social networks has been remarkable, with sites such as MySpace, Linked-In and Facebook receiving millions, and even tens of millions of members. A variety of other networking sites have been developed as well, serving specific user communities. Along these lines, ASCO has developed a new electronic health record (EHR) social networking site that enables oncologists and their practice staff to easily connect, collaborate, and find information on EHRs and health information technology.

I would like to personally invite you to join ASCO's new EHR social networking site at http://ehr.ascoexchange.org. You will have an opportunity to view and participate in discussion forums, start blogs, and engage in EHR vendor user groups. Widgets and RSS feeds can be incorporated into your own personal page on the site and you can invite fellow colleagues to join the site as well.

The role of social networks in medicine is just beginning to be understood. In an era of rapid medical change, the need to develop richer and more varied sources of information and the value of far-reaching, online social trust networks will become increasingly apparent for the medical field. Oncologists can be at the forefront of this communication-rich platform and use it to increase understanding and awareness of EHRs and health information technology.

Please sign up today at http://ehr.ascoexchange.org to join this important ASCO network and feel free to forward this invitation to practice staff or other colleagues who might find the site useful.


****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the second 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, February 18, 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.

The topics covered on this National Provider Call will include a review of the aggregate level measure submission feedback report from PQRI 2008 and an update regarding 2009 PQRI measure submission. Following the presentation, 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: February 18, 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 February 17, 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/021809

Fill in all required data.

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

Click "Register".

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

For those of you who will be unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 2:30 p.m. EST 2/18/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 2/25/2009. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 84543925.

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

MOASC, Onmark, & Palmetto/J1MAC Meetings

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****MOASC NEWS****
Overview of Part D E-Prescribing Standards

Presented By:
Andrew M. Morgan, MBA
Office of E-Health Standards and Services
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 18, 2009

TIME: 12.00 – 1:30 P.M.

Please do not hesitate to bring your questions to this conference call.

Call In #: 866-212-0875
Pass code: 469922

PLEASE PRESS *6 TO MUTE AND UN-MUTE YOUR LINE DURING THE CALL.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MOASC office.
Thanks!

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


****ONMARK NEWS****
Monthly Legislative Teleconferences: February 17 & 18
Onmark Legislative Teleconferences were held January 20 & 21. To listen to the replay, dial 888.203.1112 and use ID 4740485. The next teleconferences are on February 17 & 18. To join, dial 877.741.4244.
Learn 2009 Reimbursement Changes
Listen to the replay of Onmark’s CORE webcast on 2009 Oncology Reimbursement Changes. Topics include PQRI and e-prescribing at https://www.onmarkservices.com/onmarksite/content/static/events/pastEvents.jsp


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
You may wish to listen to the following Webinar for Basic Billing for J1 Part B Providers-- February 17 and 18, 2009.

Click on to the link below for more information and to register.
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.

ASCO, CMA, & COA 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=fe6815797565057f751d&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fde613717d6c057b7d1d7975&l=fe58157570660c7b7013&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3e16727461067f751473. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Apply Now for ASCO's Leadership Development Program

Apply for the 2009 ASCO/AACR Workshop: Methods in Clinical Cancer Research

Deadline Approaching to Purchase Discounted Virtual Meeting, Podcast Access for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium

Read the JCO Original Report, "Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin with and without Cetuximab in the First-line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer"

Register and Reserve Housing for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting

Visit ASCO's EHR Social Network Site

Cancer Policy Alert: ASCO Urges Lawmakers to Exclude Prompt Pay Discounts from ASP; Oncology Added to Draft CCHIT Roadmap; Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards Are Available for Public Comment

Cancer.Net Guide, "Managing the Cost of Cancer Care," Offers Patients New Information, Tools, and Resources

Cancer.Net Four-Part Series, "Cancer Terms to Know," is Now Available in Spanish

ASCO Expert Corner: The Role of an Oncology Nurse

Don't Miss the Feb. 26-28, 2009 GU Cancers Symposium

Apply for the ASCO Medical Student Rotation, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Before Feb. 20

Apply for the ASCO Resident Travel Award, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Before Feb. 20


The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6615797564057c701c&m=ff311d707460&ls=fdec12777c65017975127971&l=fe601575776601757d14&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2b167274670d7c711c76. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:

Update on Economic Stimulus Package

New ASCO Guide Helps Patients and Doctors Communicate about the Cost of Cancer Care

ASCO Comments on PET National Coverage Decision

ASCO Comments to the OHRP on Discontinuation of Participants in Clinical Trials

ASCO Leads Effort in Developing Oncology-specific EHR Criteria

ASCO Opposes Local Oral vs. IV Coverage Policy

Register for Spring 2009 QOPI Data Collection

FDA Requests Comments on Enrolling Special Populations in Clinical Trials

IOM Releases Report on the Impact of HIPAA Privacy Rule on Health Research

NCI Lays Out Strategies for Accelerating the War on Cancer

President Obama Signs Law to Expand SCHIP and Increase Tobacco Tax

CMS Resumes Recovery Audit Contractor Program

ASCO and ONS Seek Comments on Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards

National Audiocall on Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009

Join ASCO's Advocacy Network

ASCO Extends Resources to Practice Administrators


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

DMHC to Hold Hearing on “Timely Access” Reg on February 23

Pfizer to Disclose Payments to Physicians

Obama Signs Children’s Health Insurance Bill

Both Houses of Congress Pass Economic Stimulus Bills

CMA Webinar: What the Balance Billing Ban Means for Physicians

2009 Leadership Academy Offers Most Comprehensive Slate of Practice Management and Leadership Skills Workshops to Date

Order Your 2009 California Physician’s Legal Handbook Today

We Need Your Help: Please Take 10 Minutes to Complete CMA’s Physician Survey

IMQ Recruiting Physicians to Serve on Correctional Health Judicial Review Committees

Tentative Agenda Available for CMA's 35th Annual Legislative Leadership Day

Member Benefit of the Week: 6% off athenaCollector


****COA NEWS****
Check out the new COA Administrators Network (CAN) website by accessing it through the main COA site at http://www.communityoncology.org

The CAN website, designed by and for community oncology practice administrators, features a wealth of interactive information, resources, and tools.

Bobbi Buell leads the CAN website by posting news and other information. Bobbi will hold a webinar on how to use the CAN website next Thursday, 2/19.

The CAN website will grow over time with your involvement and contributions!

Bo Gamble, a community oncology practice administrator from North Carolina, and Kent Butcher, an administrator from Oklahoma, unveiled the COA Administrators’ Network (CAN) website at the Community Oncology Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. The website was designed by a team of practice administrators and experts, including the CAN co-chairs (Gamble and Butcher), the CAN leadership team of administrators representing the 15 MAC regions, coding expert Bobbi Buell, and administrator/consultant Ricky Newton.

The CAN website can be accessed through the COA website at http://www.communityoncology.org and clicking on one of the entry points, including the alert banner announcing the site or the orange action bar. You’ll notice in the process that the COA website has been redesigned and contains important news and other information.

The CAN website was created in response to requests from administrators to create more opportunities for information exchange and sharing. The CAN leadership team worked hard to create a site that allowed for interaction, as well as provided a resource area to download forms and useful tools.

Bobbi Buell adds CAN Webmistress to her title of Codemistress. Bobbi will be posting information on a regular basis in the Administrators’ Exchange, an interactive blog/forum area that allows for readers to post questions or answers. Additionally, other administrators from the CAN team join Bobbi in posting information on a variety of topics of importance to community oncology practices in the Administrators’ Exchange.

Also, on the CAN home page is a variety of other information, including the following:

Recruiting Room — Post a job needing to be filled in your practice or a job you are looking for.
CAN breaking News — Read hot news relevant to community oncology.
Webography — Access a list of important websites.
Email Suggestion Box — Drop Bobbi an email on any suggestions for the website.
How Do You Compare — Participate in a poll that changes periodically and view instant results.
Regulatory News — Read the latest news from CMS and other regulatory agencies.
Upcoming Events — Access links to the latest meetings relevant to administrators.
Additionally, coming soon will be more information about the COA National Benchmarking Initiative already well underway with the CAN team. Practices represented by the team have been providing data in an effort led by Ricky Newton, which has already provided data that COA has used on Capitol Hill. This initiative will be expanded nationally.

By clicking the blue tabs on the CAN home page, you will find forms, presentations, newsletters, and other resources that can be downloaded. Check out the depth of information hiding under each blue tab!

There is so much on the site that those who have beta tested it say it is mind boggling to discover every nook and cranny. Next Thursday, 2/19, Bobbi will be holding a Webinar on how to use the site, and she will be joined by members of the CAN team. Mark down next Thursday and time/details will be forthcoming.

Finally, this is your site. Like any other social network, it will grow on your contributions. Once again, this was designed by and for community oncology practice administrators.

Check out the CAN website today. It’s open to all community oncology practice administrators and staff. If you are a COA member and not an administrator but want to view the site, email Dee Shook by clicking here with your request, which will be reviewed by representatives from the CAN team.

Have any questions? Simply go to the Email Suggestion Box on the Can website to send Bobbi an email!

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****CMS NEWS****
The latest Claim Adjustment Reason Codes and Remittance Advice Remark Codes are available in the Codes.ini file for the MREP software. You can access this file in the Zipped folder for “Medicare Remit Easy Print - Version 2.5” at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/AccesstoDataApplication/02_MedicareRemitEasyPrint.asp on the CMS website.

Understanding the Remittance Advice: A Guide for Medicare Providers, Physicians, Suppliers, and Billers (October 2008) is now available to download from the CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN). This publication is designed to help fee-for-service Medicare providers understand the remittance advice (RA), its applicable uses, and how to interpret RA fields and codes communicated by Medicare contractors. To view, download and print this guide, please go to the CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN) at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/RA_Guide_Full_03-22-06.pdf. Print copies will be available in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (January 2009), which provides general information about the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MedcrePhysFeeSchedfctsht.pdf . If you are unable to access the hyperlink in this message, please copy and paste the URL into your Internet browser.


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
2009 Spring Workshop Series Continues Through May
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Learning%20Education~Workshops~2009%20Spring%20Workshop%20Series%20Continues%20Through%20May?opendocument

Palmetto GBA is pleased to announce the 2009 Understanding the Rules and
Using the Tools workshop series. This series 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.


J1 Part B LCD Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~J1%20Part%20B%20LCD%20Update?opendocument

The following J1 Part B LCD has been revised: Erythropoietin Stimulating
Agents for the Treatment of Anemia Unrelated to Dialysis Therapy.


Palmetto GBA’s PCC Closed on President’s Day
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Palmetto%20GBA’s%20PCC%20Closed%20on%20President’s%20Day?opendocument

Palmetto GBA's Provider Contact Center (PCC) will be closed for training
purposes on Monday, February 16, 2009, which is also the President’s Day
holiday.

OPS & MGMA Meeting Announcements

Oncology Pharmaceutical Services, an ANCO Corporate Member, invites you to participate in a webcast on reimbursement entitled Best Practices in Financial Care on Friday, February 20th at 12PM.

See the meeting announcement at www.opspharmacist.com/opes.


The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Specialty Conferences are designed to keep your practice up-to-speed and ahead of the curve. In these challenging economic times we want to do all we can to ensure you can take advantage of the important information shared by the experts and your colleagues during the:

MGMA 2009 Oncology/Hematology Practice Management Conference
March 22-24, 2009
Beverly Hills, Calif.

Look at all you’ll experience:

· Be uplifted as Robert Schimmel shares how humor got him through his battle with cancer

· Join in the round table discussion covering vital oncology/hematology practice issues. Your input is invaluable-- (once registered, you’ll be able to give your input on what the roundtable topics should be)

· Get the latest on legislative issues affecting your specialty from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO®), Association of Community Cancer Centers, Community Oncology Alliance, GMMA and US Oncology

· Learn how you can deliver more consistent care and provide thorough patient education using ASCO® chemotherapy treatment plans and summaries

Get complete conference details at mgma.com/aoha.

ACCC, COA, & Oncology Congress 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 at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_2-9-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

ACCC Submits Comments to CMS About NCD on FDG PET for Solid Tumors

Patient Navigation, Prostate Cancer Best Practices at ACCC's National Meeting

Sneak Peek: ACCC Meeting to Showcase More Than 60 Exhibitors

ACCC Launches 2009 Cancer Program Administrator Survey

Cancer Patients Struggle to Maintain Affordable Health Coverage After Diagnosis

White Paper Released on Management of Oral Oncology Regimens

Do You Have a Yen to Write? Oncology Issues Seeks a Few Good Authors

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Billing for Cone Beam CT, Co-Pay Assistance

ACCC's CE Blackboard: A Full Range of Courses

ACCC Is Now on Facebook

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings


****COA NEWS****
The NEW COA Administrators’ Network (CAN) website will be officially launched at the Community Oncology Conference this Thursday, 2/5.

Bobbi Buell, the CAN Web Mistress, presides over a website that features the latest information and resources for community oncology practice administrators.

The underlying theme of CAN is to help community oncology practices communicate on a variety of operational, clinical, and strategic matters.
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) will be unveiling the COA Administrators’ Network (CAN) website at the Community Oncology Conference in Scottsdale,Arizona this Thursday, February 5th. CAN co-chairs Kent Butcher (Oklahoma Oncology) and Bo Gamble (Southeastern Medical Oncology Center) will be introducing CAN and the new website during the first day of the Conference.

CAN was created in response to input from community oncology practice administrators across the United States. Although practices have affiliations with purchasing groups and other commercial organizations, administrators talked about the need for an umbrella organization to bring all practices together. As a not-for-profit, it was agreed that COA was an entity that could provide a forum for community oncology practice administrators to come together to exchange information and resources. This is meant to augment the work other organizations are doing to create active information exchange among practices.

The CAN website is accessible via the main COA website (http://www.communityoncology.org). Bobbi Buell, well known as the community oncology Coding Mistress, presides as CAN Web Mistress. As you will see when you access the CAN website, a highlight of the site is the Administrators’ Exchange, a blog/forum type area where you can post and reply to information on a variety of important topics to community oncology practice administrators. Additionally, there are interest areas where Bobbi has posted a variety of presentations, tools, resources, and even recent copies of her newsletter.

In addition to the co-chairs, Kent Butcher and Bo Gamble, fifteen other practice administrators from around the country comprise the CAN leadership team. Each member of the CAN leadership team represents a MAC region. The team has been actively involved in the design of the CAN website, making sure that it covers all areas of importance for their administrator peers. Additionally, Ricky Newton is directing a landmark data gathering and benchmarking initiative, initially involving collecting operational and financial information from the practices represented by the CAN leadership team. This will be expanded to allow all practices to participate as soon as the benchmark templates and database are finished.

The CAN leadership team will be meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona before the start of the Community Oncology Conference. Look for more details out of the Conference.

The CAN website you see today is only the start! It was created by and for community oncology practice administrators. It is meant to be a living site, with its value growing as new information and resources are added by administrators. COA is committed to community oncology by unifying practices, providing a forum to help enhance operational efficiency, and advocating in Washington, DC and elsewhere for the community oncology delivery system. More so than ever, COA is focused on unifying community oncology and the COA Administrators’ Network is just another step in that direction.


****Oncology Congress NEWS****
The Oncology Congress has created a survey at the link below, for ANCO members. We encourage you to provide them with your feedback.

Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Xpq3RiwJFf2eC_2biIlYmBYg_3d_3d

CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****CMS NEWS****
MM6295 – Change in the Amount in Controversy Requirement for Administrative Law Judge Hearings andFederal District Court Appeals
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6295.pdf

MM6288 – January 2009 Quarterly Average Sales Price (ASP) Medicare Part B Drug Pricing Files and Revisions to Prior Quarterly Pricing Files
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6288.pdf

SE0833 – Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) Postponed for 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0833.pdf


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the second 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, February 18, 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.

The topics covered on this National Provider Call will include a review of the aggregate level measure submission feedback report from PQRI 2008 and an update regarding 2009 PQRI measure submission. Following the presentation, 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: February 18, 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 February 17, 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/021809

Fill in all required data.

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

Click "Register".

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

For those of you who will be unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 2:30 p.m. EST 2/18/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 2/25/2009. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 84543925.

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


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS
2009 Coding & Reimbursement Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Medicare%20Advisory~2009%20Coding%20Reimbursement%20Update?opendocument

The 2009 Coding & Reimbursement Update contains a wealth of information
that will be helpful to your office. Some of the articles in this
publication include: Additions, Deletions and Changes for HCPCS, CDT, and
CPT codes and modifiers; Proper use of modifiers: bilateral, professional
and technical; Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database Indicator Codes;
DMEPOS Fee Schedule; Drug & Biological Fee Schedule and more.


Reminder: A Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be Required for
Authentication as of March 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Articles~General~Reminder%20A%20Tax%20Identification%20Number%20(TIN)%20will%20be%20Required%20for%20Authentication%20as%20of%20March%201%202009?opendocument

This is a reminder that a Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be required
for authentication as of March 1, 2009.


Change in the Amount in Controversy Requirement for Administrative Law
Judge Hearings and Federal District Court Appeals
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Change%20in%20the%20Amount%20in%20Controversy%20Requirement%20for%20Administrative%20Law%20Judge%20Hearings%20and%20Federal%20District%20Court%20Appeals?opendocument

CR6295, Change in the Amount in Controversy Requirement for Administrative
Law Judge Hearings and Federal District Court Appeals, is an MLN article
for J1 Part A and B.


Important Information for Providers Serving Medicare Beneficiaries Enrolled
in Private Fee-for-Service Plans
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Important%20Information%20for%20Providers%20Serving%20Medicare%20Beneficiaries%20Enrolled%20in%20Private%20Fee-for-Service%20Plans?opendocument

MLN article SE0902, Important Information for Providers Serving Medicare
Beneficiaries Enrolled in Private Fee-for-Service Plans, details a new
process for handling payment disputes raised by providers who serve
Medicare patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA) Private
Fee-for-Service Organizations (PFFS) plans.


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

The following J1 Part B LCDs will begin their notice period on 02/05/2009.
Revisions made during the comment period will become effective on
03/23/2009.

CMS News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) on February 12th at 3PM ET to discuss the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This call will be geared to those eligible professionals planning to participate in the PQRI for the first time in 2009 and will cover the basics of how to satisfactorily report the 2009 PQRI quality measures through claims-based reporting.

During this Special ODF, CMS staff will discuss the basics of how to satisfactorily report the 2009 PQRI quality measures through claims-based reporting. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

Additional Information
For information about the PQRI, including educational products, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI.

We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 83501646
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 February 20, 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/


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that a new educational resource has been posted to the Electronic Prescribing (E-Prescribing) Incentive Program section page on the PQRI web page.

The following item is available for download on the E-Prescribing section page:

2009 Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program Made Simple - This Fact Sheet provides detailed information on how to participate in the 2009 Electronic Prescribing (E-Prescribing) Incentive Program by reporting the E-Prescribing measure.

To access this new, and all, available E-Prescribing educational resources, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website and click on the Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program tab. Once on the E-Prescribing page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the “2009 Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program Made Simple” link.


The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that updates to many of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) are now available on the PQRI webpage. A number of FAQs have been revised, while many new FAQS have been added to the system. The purpose of the FAQs is to provide detailed answers to common questions regarding the PQRI program. Among the various FAQs included in this update are several related to the 2007 PQRI data re-run. The FAQs may be found in the “Related Links Inside CMS” section of the PQRI webpage at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/ on the CMS website.


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

The following items are now available for download on the PQRI Educational Resources web page:

2009 PQRI Fact Sheet: What's New for the 2009 PQRI - This Fact Sheet provides an overview of the 2009 PQRI and highlights the changes from the 2008 PQRI program.

2009 PQRI Made Simple – Reporting the Preventive Care Measures Group - This Tip Sheet provides quick, easy to understand instructions on how to satisfactorily participate in the 2009 PQRI for those who wish to report quality data using claims for the Preventive Care Measures Group.

To access these new, and all, available educational resources, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website and click on the Educational Resources tab. Once on the Educational Resources page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the “2009 PQRI Fact Sheet: What’s New for the 2009 PQRI” and the “2009 PQRI Made Simple- Reporting the Preventive Care Measures Group” links.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now accepting quality measure suggestions for consideration for possible inclusion in the proposed set of quality measures for use in the 2010 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). CMS is accepting suggestions for individual measures and measure groups (e.g., suggestions for new measures groups and/or suggestions for the composition of existing measures groups(s)). For instructions on submitting suggestions, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri on the CMS website and click on the “Measures/Codes” link on the left. All suggestions must be received by 5:00pm EST February 27, 2009.

Note: Suggesting individual measures or measures for a new or existing measures group does not guarantee that the measure(s) will be included in the proposed or final sets of measures of any proposed or final rule that address the 2010 PQRI. CMS will determine what individual measures and measures group(s) to include in the proposed set of quality measures, and after a period of public comment, the agency will make the final determination with regard to the final set of quality measures for the 2010 PQRI.

ASCO & Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) partnered to develop a process based on consensus to draft the first Standards for Safe Chemotherapy Administration. The premise for standard development was that administration of neo-plastic agents is complex and can be fraught with potential patient safety issues. Although other standards, guidelines and policy statements exist, standards to improve quality and safety of chemotherapy administration, both oral and parenteral, have not been established in quantified, measureable terms. When published and incorporated by hematology/oncology practices, the goal of improved quality and safety for patients receiving chemotherapy can be realized.

The draft Standards will be available for comment through March 13, 2009. In the last two months, the ASCO/ONS Steering Committee refined, clarified and streamlined the Standards. A survey tool for public comment and the PDF document can be accessed by clicking: http://research.zarca.com/k/RsTUTRsSPPsVXVTPsPsP

Please read the Standards (PDF) and Background document, and click the URL to provide your comments on the survey tool.

Your comments are extremely valuable and will be analyzed by the ASCO/ONS Steering Committee for inclusion in the Standards. The final Standards and an article describing their development will be submitted for publication in ASCO and ONS journals.


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Upon learning of incorrect denials of the new hydration and therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic drug administration codes (963xx) from ANCO and MOASC, Palmetto/J1MAC has issued the following Alert to providers.

New 2009 CPT Codes 96360, 96361, 96365-96368, 96372-96375, may have been denied in error for dates of service 1/1/09 - 1/27/09, due to the system denying services submitted with Evaluation & Management Services billed with the 25 modifier and one of the Chemo Administrations/Non-Chemotherapy Drug Infusion & Drug Injection Services. The services should have been allowed.

Applies To Procedure Code(s):
Chemo Administrations/Non-Chemotherapy Drug Infusion & Drug Injection Services: 96360, 96361, 96365, 96366, 96367, 96368, 96372, 96373, 96374, and/or 96375

billed with

E/M services: 92012-92014, 99201-99205, 99212-99215, 99217-99223, 99231-99236, 99238-99239, 99241-99245, 99251-99255, 99291-99292, 99304-99307, 99308-99310, 99315-99316, 99324-99328, 99318, 99334-99337 and/or 99347-99350.

Palmetto/J1MAC Action:
The E & M codes must be submitted with the 25 modifier if billed with one of the Chemo Administrations/Non-Chemotherapy Drug Infusion & Drug Injection Services.

Reason Code:
97 Payment adjusted because the benefit for this service is included in the payment/allowance for another service/procedure that has already been adjudicated.

Remark Code:
N20 Service not payable with other service rendered on the same date.

Provider Action:
No action required. A mass adjustment will be made to all incorrectly denied claims for dates of service 1/1/09 through 1/27/09.

DHCS/MediCal News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
The following notice has been posted to the home page of the Medi-Cal Web site NewsRoom as of February 2, 2009:

As requested by the State Controller’s Office (SCO), the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has begun preparations to implement a four-week payment hold of General Fund payments to providers whose timely payments are not required by the State constitution, federal mandate or court decision. In a press release posted on the SCO website, the State Controller indicated that unless a budgetary solution was implemented by February 1, 2009, to address the state’s cash crisis, that he must begin holding certain program payments.

Effective February 5, 2009 (the first warrant release date of February), the weekly provider checkwrite for these programs will be delayed by the SCO for four weeks and released one week at a time until a solution is found to the cash crisis. The affected State Only and Other Public Health programs that SCO will be impacting are:

State Only California Children’s Services (CCS)

State Only Genetically Handicapped Persons Program (GHPP)

State Only (and General Fund only) Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program

Children’s Treatment Program (CTP)

Expanded Access to Primary Care (EAPC)

Cancer Detection Program: Every Woman Counts (CDP: EWC)

The Medi-Cal (includes CCS Medi-Cal and CHDP Medi-Cal), Healthy Families, and Abortion check writes will continue to be paid as normal.

The SCO has said that the four-week checkwrite payment hold will remain in place until such time as the State’s cash deficit is rectified. As directed, the State will then resume issuance of warrants on a weekly basis. Providers are encouraged to continue to review the Medi-Cal Web site for the most current information and details.

ACCC, ASCO, & NCCN 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 and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_2-2-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:

ACCC Submits Comments on AHRQ Draft Comparative Effectiveness Review

CMS Officials, Congressional Reps to Speak at ACCC's Annual National Meeting

Clinicians, Cooperative Groups Work through Leucovorin Shortage

Senate Passes SCHIP Reauthorization; President Expected to Sign Legislation

Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Leucovorin Shortage

ACCC's CE Blackboard: A Full Range of Courses

ACCC Is Now on Facebook

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings


****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5b15787c660679741d&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf313717664027a711d7072&l=fe5c1575716d077d7c10&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3516727561047b751275. ANCO is state/regional affiliate of ACCC. This edition features:

Visit ASCO's EHR Social Network Site

ASCO Releases its First Provisional Clinical Opinion (PCO)

Newest Issue of ASCO News & Forum Available Online

Read the JCO Original Report, "Reproduction Rates After Cancer Treatment: Experience From the Norwegian Radium Hospital"

Read the Recent JOP feature, "Tobacco Cessation and Quality Cancer Care"

Virtual Meeting, Podcast Access for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium Available for Purchase

Electronic Resources Now Available from the 2009 GI Cancers Symposium

Cancer Policy Alert: ASCO Urges Lawmakers to Exclude Prompt Pay Discounts from ASP; Oncology Added to Draft CCHIT Roadmap; Chemotherapy Administration Safety Standards Are Available for Public Comment

Cancer.Net Feature: Secondhand Smoke and Cancer

Cancer.Net Feature: Having a Child After Cancer Treatment

Cancer.Net Podcasts


****NCCN NEWS****
NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates™ based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™

Newly released NCCN Chemotherapy Order Templates™:

• Colon Cancer

• Hepatobiliary Cancers

NCCN is developing a library of chemotherapy order templates to improve the safe use of drugs and biologics in cancer care. The information contained in the Templates is based on the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™. The Templates include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, supportive care agents, monitoring parameters, and safety instructions. Special instructions for self-administered chemotherapeutic agents are provided.

The following Templates are now available: Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Colon Cancer, Hepatobiliary Cancers, Kidney Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer and Testicular Cancer.

Coming Soon: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Bone Cancer, Central Nervous System Cancers, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Esophageal Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Head and Neck Cancers, Hodgkin Disease/Lymphoma, Melanoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Neuroendocrine Tumors, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Occult Primary, Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Rectal Cancer, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Thyroid Carcinoma, and Uterine Neoplasms.

Disclaimer: These templates are a peer-reviewed statement of the consensus of the authors derived from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology™ regarding their views of currently accepted approaches to treatment. These templates do not constitute orders. Any clinician seeking to treat a patient using the templates is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances of a specific patient’s care or treatment. NCCN disclaims all warranties, express or implied including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. NCCN does not warrant the accuracy, currency or completeness of the templates or make any representation regarding the use or the results of the use of the templates in treatment. In no event shall NCCN or its members be liable for any damages including without limitation incidental, indirect, special, punitive or consequential damages arising out of or
in connection with the use of the templates including, without limitation, loss of life, loss of data, loss of income or profit, losses sustained as a result of any injury to any person, or loss or damage to property or claims of third parties. © 2008/2009 National Comprehensive Cancer Network

Access the latest updates at www.nccn.org.

Meeting Announcements

****Onmark/Wyeth Webcast****
There's still time to register for this week's Onmark CORE webcast where you can learn 2009 Oncology Reimbursement Changes and earn 1.0 CEUs from AAPC. Visit https://onmarkevents.webex.com/onmarkevents/mywebex/default.php?Rnd4777=0.5385947847041572 for more information.

Topics include:
• Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update
• 2009 Oncology Coding Changes
• E-prescribing Incentive Program
• PQRI in 2009

Presenters:
• John Akscin, VP Government Relations, McKesson Specialty Care Solutions
• Elaine Towle, Program Director, Oncology Metrics

Dates and Times:
• Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 9:00-10:00am PT / 12:00-1:00pm ET
• Wednesday, February 4, 2009 from 12:00-1:00pm PT / 3:00-4:00pm ET

Continuing Education Credit
This program has prior approval of the American Academy of Professional Coders for 1.0 Continuing Education Units. Granting of this approval in no way constitutes endorsement by the Academy of the program, content or the program sponsor.

Enroll today at https://onmarkevents.webex.com/onmarkevents/mywebex/default.php?Rnd4777=0.5385947847041572! This program is sponsored by Wyeth.


****Community Oncology Alliance Conference Webcast****
You are invited to register for a one-time special event: a free webcast of selected sessions from the 2009 Community Oncology Conference.

As a professional on the front line of oncology care, you need to hear about the latest clinical guidelines and treatment strategies.And the content at the Community Oncology Conference is developed by an Advisory Board of renowned practicing oncologists— so please accept this one-time offer to register and view a free webcast of selected CME/CNE accredited sessions at the conference (not all sessions are webcast).

Webcast Details
Register for each day's sessions via the links below:
* Thursday, February 5, 11:00am-5:15pm MT (http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=55478&campaignid=61444881&iusercampaignid=47851382)

* Friday, February 6, 8:00am-5:00pm MT (http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=55479&campaignid=61444882&iusercampaignid=47851393)

* Saturday, February 7, 8:00am-12:00pm MT (http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=55480&campaignid=61444883&iusercampaignid=47851405)

You'll receive a reminder email with log-in information the day of the webcast.

View a selection of sessions at the conference that are eligible for CME/CNE credit.

See all the slides, hear all the speakers in real-time, and access PDF files of slide presentations.

Complete the program evaluation and print your certificate online at the end of the conference.

Palmetto/J1MAC News

The following information has been received by ANCO.


****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
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

Here is some additional information for the J1 Part B ACT Call on 2/3/2009.


PC-ACE Pro32 version 1.98 Update File
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~West%20Virginia%20Part%20B%20Carrier~EDI~Software%20Manuals~PC-ACE%20Pro32%20version%201.98%20Update%20File?opendocument

The PC-ACE Pro32 software has been updated with several CMS Medicare
mandates and enhancements. All PC-ACE Pro32 users must download and install
the attached software update file immediately.


Retired J1 Part B LCDs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Retired%20J1%20Part%20B%20LCDs?opendocument

The following J1 Part B LCDs are now retired: Independent Diagnostic
Testing Facility, Monitored Anesthesia Care, Genetic Testing, and Flow
Cytometry and Innumocytochemistry for Cancer Diagnosis and Prognoses LCD.


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

This is the February 2009 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory.


PPTN Manual
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~Software%20Manuals~PPTN%20Manual?opendocument

Palmetto GBA has published a PPTN User Manual to assist our J1 Part B
providers will navigating the Professional Provider Telecommunication
Network.