The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) is conducting a brief survey to assess Medicare denials for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron supplementation on the same monthly bill.
ACCC will use the data in an upcoming article in Oncology Issues. This is a blinded survey, and we do not track individuals.
Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nlN3XFVF_2fTIF7JvfjFuUNg_3d_3d to take the 11-question survey.
****ASCO NEWS****
Over the past 10 days, ASCO has been hearing from oncology practices across the country about how the proposed 6 percent cut to Medicare payments for medical oncology services will have a devastating impact on their ability to provide care to their patients. We share your concerns about the adverse impact these cuts will have on the delivery of cancer care in this country.
ASCO is calling on Congress and CMS to fix this untenable situation. We fully recognize that our community and members cannot sustain further payment reductions at a time when the number of people with cancer is increasing, practice expenses continue to rise, and the oncology workforce is dwindling.
As you consider the effects that these payments cuts will have on your practice and your patients, please share your specific feedback with us. It will be very helpful to provide specific examples and real-life stories to Congress and CMS about the impact that the fee schedule cuts will have on practices and patients. Please send any comments you would like to share to publicpolicy@asco.org.
In addition, ASCO is conducting an in-depth analysis of all of the components of the fee schedule to be sure all of its ramifications are considered. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be reaching out to you with specific guidance on communicating with your Representative and Senators to let them know how your patients and your practice will be directly affected if proposed payment cuts are enacted.
We are committed to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that national policy supports the ability of oncology practices to provide quality, innovative, and evidence-based cancer care to the millions of Americans who need it.
Contact ASCO's Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 571-483-1670 or publicpolicy@asco.org with any immediate questions that you have.
****ASH NEWS****
The ASH Practice Update for July was published and is available online at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/07092009.cfm#1. This edition features:
Medicare Releases Proposed Payment and Policy Changes for Physicians for CY 2010
OIG Releases Report on Chemotherapy Administration
ASH Weighs In on "Meaningful Use" of Electronic Health Records
ASH Commends House, Senate on Comparative Effectiveness
ICD-10 Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System Educational Product Available From the Medicare Learning Network
****CMS NEWS****
The publication titled ICD-10-CM/PCS Myths & Facts (June 2009), which presents correct information in response to some myths regarding the ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/ICD-10Mappingfctsht.pdf .
· The Second in Series: General Equivalence Mappings – ICD-9-CM to and from ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Fact Sheet (May 2009), which provides basic information about the General Equivalence Mappings (GEM) including possible users of the GEMs, why the GEMs are needed, and how the GEMs files are formatted as well as Reimbursement Mappings information, is now available in print format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicare Learning Network. To place your order, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/ , scroll down to “Related Links Inside CMS” and select “MLN Product Ordering Page.”
MM6330 – Clarification on Use of National Drug Codes (NDCs) in 837 I Billing
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6330.pdf
The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment established quality standards for laboratories to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test is performed. The CLIA brochure contains information and links to a variety of CLIA resources including: CLIA regulations, CLIA enrollment, CLIA certificates, CLIA fee schedules, CLIA-approved accrediting organizations and CLIA State and Regional offices. To view the brochure, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/CLIABrochure.pdf .
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
J1 Part B LCD Update
Two J1 Part B LCDs have been revised.
http://www.palmettogba.com/Palmetto/Providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7TRQL75331?opendocument
PC-ACE Pro32 version 2.12 update file
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.
http://www.palmettogba.com/Palmetto/Providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7KVL2S3512?opendocument
Updated: ACT Call: Palmetto GBA J1 Web site - June 16, 2009
The meeting minutes for the Part B weekly ACT call: J1 A/B MAC Web site on
Tuesday, June 16 is now available on our Web site.
http://www.palmettogba.com/Palmetto/Providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7S3T650154?opendocument
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