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/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_11-10-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Conference Call on Final Medicare Rules: Join Us This Thursday
CMS Postpones RAC Program
Still Time to Apply for ACCC Cancer Care Navigation Project Pilot Site
Make Your Cancer Service Line More Competitive: ACCC's Hospital Summit
ACCC's Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin on Hold Until 2009
SWOG Joins EDRN in Furthering Prostate Cancer Research
Regional Symposium Coming to Philadelphia
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Radiation Therapy Center Competition
ACCC's CE Blackboard: New Multiple Myeloma Therapy Symposium
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Upcoming Meetings
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe56157877620175761c&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf1127875610c7871157571&l=fe6715757767027d7412&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe27167176630374751077. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
Vote Now in the 2009 ASCO Election
October 2008 Issue of ASCO News & Forum Available Online
Letters of Intent for 2009 ACRAs in Breast Cancer and Glioma Due December 4
Application Deadline Approaching for 2009 ASCO State Affiliate Grants
Apply for the 2009 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®/ASCO Loan Repayment Program
Early Registration Deadline Approaching for 2009 GI Cancers Symposium
Submit an Abstract for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
Abstracts from the 2008 Annual Meeting on Molecular Markers in Cancer Now Available
Virtual Meeting for the 2008 Annual Meeting on Molecular Markers in Cancer Now Available for Free
Slide Revision: 2008 Annual Meeting Plenary Session
Register and Reserve Housing for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium
Apply for the 2009 IDEA Grant
Review ASCO State/Regional Affiliates Calendar of Events
Spotlight on State Affiliates: Medical Oncology Association of Southern California
Cancer Policy Alert: ASCO Issues Comments on ICD-10 Proposed Regulations; CMS Issues Instructions on the Compendia for Off-label Anti-cancer Drug Coverage; ASCO Reaches Out to Presidential Campaigns
Cancer.Net Podcasts: Mammography-What to Expect
For Your Patients: Dental Health During Cancer Treatment
What's New in JCO: Early Release Articles Published
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
Reminder - ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
Other Part A and Part B providers may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 12, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. Registration will close at 12:30 p.m. EST on November 11, 2008 or when available space has been filled. To register for this call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/Downloads/ICD10_otherproviders.pdf. To find additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
September 18, 2008 Ask the Contractor Teleconference PowerPoint Presentation
On September 18, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted an ‘Ask the Contractor’ teleconference for Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) physicians to discuss the postponement of the CAP for 2009 and to assist participating CAP physicians in planning for the transition out of the program. This event was moderated by Noridian Administrative Services (NAS), the CAP Designated Carrier.
The PowerPoint slide presentation for this teleconference is available in the ‘Training and Events’ section on the NAS website at: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/cap_drug/train/act.html
Additional information about the CAP and the 2009 CAP Postponement is available on the following CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcquisforBios/.
Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): Feedback about the CAP – A Special Open Door Forum (ODF) Teleconference on the 2009 CAP Postponement and How to Submit E-mail Comments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is soliciting public feedback about the CAP. CMS is interested in hearing about a range of issues, including, but not limited to:
§ the categories of drugs provided under the CAP
§ the distribution of areas that are served by the CAP
§ procedural changes that may increase the program's flexibility and appeal to potential vendors and physicians.
On December 3, 2008, CMS will host a Special ODF Teleconference to obtain feedback about the program. This teleconference will be a listening session and is intended for current and former participating CAP physicians, potential Approved CAP Vendors, and any other interested parties. CMS will assess the information that it receives as it considers implementing changes to the CAP.
Call Details:
Date and Time: December 3, 2008 from 2:00-3:30PM EST
Toll Free Call Number: (800) 837-1935
Conference ID: 66307647
Interested parties can also submit comments to the CAP e-mailbox at MMA303DDrugBid@cms.hhs.gov
****CMS NEWS****
Reminder - ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Other Part A and Part B Providers
Other Part A and Part B providers may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 12, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. Registration will close at 12:30 p.m. EST on November 11, 2008 or when available space has been filled. To register for this call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/icd10/Downloads/ICD10_otherproviders.pdf. To find additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
September 18, 2008 Ask the Contractor Teleconference PowerPoint Presentation
On September 18, 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted an ‘Ask the Contractor’ teleconference for Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) physicians to discuss the postponement of the CAP for 2009 and to assist participating CAP physicians in planning for the transition out of the program. This event was moderated by Noridian Administrative Services (NAS), the CAP Designated Carrier.
The PowerPoint slide presentation for this teleconference is available in the ‘Training and Events’ section on the NAS website at: https://www.noridianmedicare.com/cap_drug/train/act.html
Additional information about the CAP and the 2009 CAP Postponement is available on the following CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CompetitiveAcquisforBios/.
Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP): Feedback about the CAP – A Special Open Door Forum (ODF) Teleconference on the 2009 CAP Postponement and How to Submit E-mail Comments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is soliciting public feedback about the CAP. CMS is interested in hearing about a range of issues, including, but not limited to:
§ the categories of drugs provided under the CAP
§ the distribution of areas that are served by the CAP
§ procedural changes that may increase the program's flexibility and appeal to potential vendors and physicians.
On December 3, 2008, CMS will host a Special ODF Teleconference to obtain feedback about the program. This teleconference will be a listening session and is intended for current and former participating CAP physicians, potential Approved CAP Vendors, and any other interested parties. CMS will assess the information that it receives as it considers implementing changes to the CAP.
Call Details:
Date and Time: December 3, 2008 from 2:00-3:30PM EST
Toll Free Call Number: (800) 837-1935
Conference ID: 66307647
Interested parties can also submit comments to the CAP e-mailbox at MMA303DDrugBid@cms.hhs.gov
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NEW IMPORTANT CLINICAL ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED NEUTROPENIA
Association of Northern California Oncologists
presents a talk for oncologists and oncology nurses entitled
NEW IMPORTANT CLINICAL ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED NEUTROPENIA
with
Gary Herbert Lyman, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine
Objectives
Discuss the potential clinical and economic consequences
associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Assess the impact of first-cycle neutropenic events.
Review national guideline recommendations for febrile neutropenia (FN)
risk assessment and colony-stimulating factor (CSF) use.
This talk is scheduled for
6:30PM Reception & 7:00PM Dinner/Lecture
December 8th, 2008
Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf
555 North Point Street • San Francisco • (415) 563-1234
This meeting is supported by AMGEN. In adherence with PhRMA guidelines, this medical education program is for healthcare professionals only. Inclusion of a healthcare professional’s spouse or other guests is not appropriate.
For directions, please call the meeting locations. FAX your RSVP(s) to José Luis González, ANCO Executive Director, at (415) 472-3961 no later than December 4th.
Download the meeting announcement/registration form at http://www.anco-online.org/Lyman.pdf
presents a talk for oncologists and oncology nurses entitled
NEW IMPORTANT CLINICAL ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF
CHEMOTHERAPY INDUCED NEUTROPENIA
with
Gary Herbert Lyman, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine
Objectives
Discuss the potential clinical and economic consequences
associated with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Assess the impact of first-cycle neutropenic events.
Review national guideline recommendations for febrile neutropenia (FN)
risk assessment and colony-stimulating factor (CSF) use.
This talk is scheduled for
6:30PM Reception & 7:00PM Dinner/Lecture
December 8th, 2008
Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf
555 North Point Street • San Francisco • (415) 563-1234
This meeting is supported by AMGEN. In adherence with PhRMA guidelines, this medical education program is for healthcare professionals only. Inclusion of a healthcare professional’s spouse or other guests is not appropriate.
For directions, please call the meeting locations. FAX your RSVP(s) to José Luis González, ANCO Executive Director, at (415) 472-3961 no later than December 4th.
Download the meeting announcement/registration form at http://www.anco-online.org/Lyman.pdf
CMS & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
National Provider Question & Answer Session
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
Following a short 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: November 20, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 1:30-3:30 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 November 19, 2008, 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/112008
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 11/20/2008 until 11:59 p.m. EST 11/27/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291 and the passcode is 69793299.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email toMedicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit Software for October 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Lab~Laboratory%20National%20Coverage%20Determination%20(NCD)%20Edit%20Software%20for%20October%202008%20?opendocument
This article is based on Change Request (CR) 6213 which announces the
changes that will be included in the October 2008 release of the edit
module for clinical diagnostic Laboratory National Coverage Determinations
(NCDs). The last quarterly release of the edit module was issued in July
2008. CR 6213 incorporates all changes from July 2008 to the present and
has no other changes.
New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Payment Rates Effective for
Dates of Service July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Fee%20Schedules~New%202008%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20(MPFS)%20Payment%20Rates%20Effective%20for%20Dates%20of%20Service%20July%201,%202008,%20through%20December%2031,%202008%20?opendocument
CMS directed Palmetto GBA to revert back to the 0.5 percent payment rates
that were previously in place until June 30, 2008, and to use those rates
through December 31, 2008. Those same rates were to be used for January 1
through June 30, 2008, to make payments, where appropriate, to Ambulatory
Surgical Centers (ASCs) for services rendered from July 1 through December
31, 2008. This reflects a continuation of the payment policy for
brachytherapy services and priced amounts and the prospective rates for
other ASC services. CMS also provided revised fees for selected mental
health codes that had an increase in their fee schedule amounts. The
effective date for the increase for the mental health codes was for dates
of service on and after July 1, 2008.
NPI Crosswalk Issues
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~EDI~General~NPI%20Crosswalk%20Issues?opendocument
Palmetto GBA has prepared an informative article on the steps you should
take if you receive error message “Y1K- BILLING PROVIDER SSN OR EIN NOT ON
CROSSWALK” on your GPNet Response Report.
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Question &
Answer Session
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~2008%20Physician%20Quality%20Reporting%20Initiative%20National%20Provider%20Question%20Answer%20Session?opendocument
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Provider Communications
Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference
calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality
Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30
pm - 3:30 pm, EST, on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
****CMS NEWS****
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
National Provider Question & Answer Session
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
Following a short 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: November 20, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 1:30-3:30 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 November 19, 2008, 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/112008
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 11/20/2008 until 11:59 p.m. EST 11/27/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 or (706) 645-9291 and the passcode is 69793299.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email toMedicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit Software for October 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Lab~Laboratory%20National%20Coverage%20Determination%20(NCD)%20Edit%20Software%20for%20October%202008%20?opendocument
This article is based on Change Request (CR) 6213 which announces the
changes that will be included in the October 2008 release of the edit
module for clinical diagnostic Laboratory National Coverage Determinations
(NCDs). The last quarterly release of the edit module was issued in July
2008. CR 6213 incorporates all changes from July 2008 to the present and
has no other changes.
New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Payment Rates Effective for
Dates of Service July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Publications~Fee%20Schedules~New%202008%20Medicare%20Physician%20Fee%20Schedule%20(MPFS)%20Payment%20Rates%20Effective%20for%20Dates%20of%20Service%20July%201,%202008,%20through%20December%2031,%202008%20?opendocument
CMS directed Palmetto GBA to revert back to the 0.5 percent payment rates
that were previously in place until June 30, 2008, and to use those rates
through December 31, 2008. Those same rates were to be used for January 1
through June 30, 2008, to make payments, where appropriate, to Ambulatory
Surgical Centers (ASCs) for services rendered from July 1 through December
31, 2008. This reflects a continuation of the payment policy for
brachytherapy services and priced amounts and the prospective rates for
other ASC services. CMS also provided revised fees for selected mental
health codes that had an increase in their fee schedule amounts. The
effective date for the increase for the mental health codes was for dates
of service on and after July 1, 2008.
NPI Crosswalk Issues
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~EDI~General~NPI%20Crosswalk%20Issues?opendocument
Palmetto GBA has prepared an informative article on the steps you should
take if you receive error message “Y1K- BILLING PROVIDER SSN OR EIN NOT ON
CROSSWALK” on your GPNet Response Report.
2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Question &
Answer Session
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/Providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Current%20News~2008%20Physician%20Quality%20Reporting%20Initiative%20National%20Provider%20Question%20Answer%20Session?opendocument
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Provider Communications
Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference
calls that began in November of 2007 on the 2008 Physician Quality
Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30
pm - 3:30 pm, EST, on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
ACCC 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/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_11-3-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Final 2009 Hospital Outpatient Department Rule Released, ASP+4
Final 2009 Changes to Physician Fee Schedule Released
ACCC Launches Cancer Care Navigation Project: Seeks Pilot Sites
Make Your Cancer Service Line More Competitive: ACCC's Hospital Summit
CMS Clarifies Guidance on Standing Orders, Protocols for Drugs in Hospitals
Media Coverage of Lung Cancer Increasing, and Increasingly Negative
Treanda Approved for Relapsed Indolent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
President's Cancer Panel Releases Recommendations
Regional Symposia Coming to Tampa and Philadelphia
Call for Nominations for ACCC's Board
Q&A on ACCC's Listser: Home Infusion and Staging Standard
ACCC's CE Blackboard
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Upcoming Meetings
****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/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_11-3-2008.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Final 2009 Hospital Outpatient Department Rule Released, ASP+4
Final 2009 Changes to Physician Fee Schedule Released
ACCC Launches Cancer Care Navigation Project: Seeks Pilot Sites
Make Your Cancer Service Line More Competitive: ACCC's Hospital Summit
CMS Clarifies Guidance on Standing Orders, Protocols for Drugs in Hospitals
Media Coverage of Lung Cancer Increasing, and Increasingly Negative
Treanda Approved for Relapsed Indolent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
President's Cancer Panel Releases Recommendations
Regional Symposia Coming to Tampa and Philadelphia
Call for Nominations for ACCC's Board
Q&A on ACCC's Listser: Home Infusion and Staging Standard
ACCC's CE Blackboard
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Upcoming Meetings
Monday, November 3, 2008
PAYER & PATIENT PAYMENTS FOR ONCOLOGY SERVICES
Association of Northern California Oncologists
is pleased to sponsor two talks for oncologists, oncology nurses, and oncology practice managers entitled
PAYER & PATIENT PAYMENTS FOR ONCOLOGY SERVICES
AN ONCOLOGY PAYER CHECKLIST
Brad Duke
Practice Manager, East Bay Partners in Cancer Care
PATIENT COLLECTIONS AND NAVIGATING PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Michelle Weiss
President, Weiss Oncology Consulting
In an era of reduced reimbursement for oncology goods and services, maximizing payer and patient collection are imperative to the survival of oncology practices. Duke will provide an oncology payer checklist that practices can use to review, (re)negotiate, and monitor compliance with private payer contracts. Weiss will review issues related to the sensitive area of patient collections. She will provide recommendations for step-by-step methods for identifying delinquent accounts early, analyzing delinquent accounts, and setting collection goals. In addition, she will review Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) explaining the differences between PAPs and co-pay foundations, the various eligibility requirements, and the rules around patient discounts and write offs.
These talks are scheduled for:
December 2nd, 9AM-12PM
The Claremont Resort
Ashby & Domingo Avenues
Oakland
(510) 843-3000
December 3rd, 9AM-12PM
The Fairmont
170 South Market Street
San Jose
(408) 998-1900
These meetings are supported by Genentech BioOncology and Sanofi-Aventis Oncology.
Please call the meeting location of your choice for directions. FAX your reservation(s) to José Luis González, ANCO Executive Director, at (415) 472-3961 no later than November 26th, 2008. Registration/continental breakfast will be available at 8:30AM.
Download the meeting announcement/registration form at www.anco-online.org/PayerPatient.pdf.
is pleased to sponsor two talks for oncologists, oncology nurses, and oncology practice managers entitled
PAYER & PATIENT PAYMENTS FOR ONCOLOGY SERVICES
AN ONCOLOGY PAYER CHECKLIST
Brad Duke
Practice Manager, East Bay Partners in Cancer Care
PATIENT COLLECTIONS AND NAVIGATING PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Michelle Weiss
President, Weiss Oncology Consulting
In an era of reduced reimbursement for oncology goods and services, maximizing payer and patient collection are imperative to the survival of oncology practices. Duke will provide an oncology payer checklist that practices can use to review, (re)negotiate, and monitor compliance with private payer contracts. Weiss will review issues related to the sensitive area of patient collections. She will provide recommendations for step-by-step methods for identifying delinquent accounts early, analyzing delinquent accounts, and setting collection goals. In addition, she will review Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) explaining the differences between PAPs and co-pay foundations, the various eligibility requirements, and the rules around patient discounts and write offs.
These talks are scheduled for:
December 2nd, 9AM-12PM
The Claremont Resort
Ashby & Domingo Avenues
Oakland
(510) 843-3000
December 3rd, 9AM-12PM
The Fairmont
170 South Market Street
San Jose
(408) 998-1900
These meetings are supported by Genentech BioOncology and Sanofi-Aventis Oncology.
Please call the meeting location of your choice for directions. FAX your reservation(s) to José Luis González, ANCO Executive Director, at (415) 472-3961 no later than November 26th, 2008. Registration/continental breakfast will be available at 8:30AM.
Download the meeting announcement/registration form at www.anco-online.org/PayerPatient.pdf.
ASCO, CMS, & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its final Medicare physician fee schedule regulations for 2009.
The regulation announces that the Medicare physician conversion factor for 2009 will be $36.0666, which represents a decrease from the 2008 conversion factor ($38.0870). Congress took two actions in the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) earlier this year which affected the conversion factor:
1) MIPPA provides for a 1.1% update (applied to the 2008 conversion factor) in 2009.
2) MIPPA requires that budget neutrality for the physician fee schedule be achieved through adjustments to the physician conversion factor, instead of negative adjustments across relative value units (RVUs) for individual services.
As a result of the last 5-Year Review of physician work, RVUs for certain codes increased. Mandated budget neutrality requirements provide that increased payments for some codes due to relative value changes must be offset by reductions in the values of other codes. Previously CMS achieved this offset by adjusting the RVUs. Now Congress has mandated that the adjustment be made to the conversion factor instead. While the 1.1% update was made and is reflected in the conversion factor, the impact of the budget neutrality adjustment is greater and therefore results in an overall reduction.
The final rule includes a number of provisions in other areas including imaging, e-prescribing, anti-markup, self-referral, and PQRI. We will be reviewing the entire regulation carefully and sending out a comprehensive summary of changes that will affect oncologists, and their estimated impact.
CMS also released the Medicare 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment final rule yesterday. The rule finalizes CMS’ proposal to reduce drug payments in the outpatient department to ASP+4%. ASCO will also be reviewing and summarizing the hospital outpatient rules shortly.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced a new initiative for physicians to trade in their prescription pads and improve efficiency and safety when ordering drugs for patients with Medicare. The initiative is included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule for calendar year 2009. To view the Press Release, go to the web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp.
A copy of the final rule (CMS-1403-FC) is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/PFSFRN/itemdetail.asp?filterType=none&filterByDID=0&sortByDID=4&sortOrder=descending&itemID=CMS1216674&intNumPerPage=10
MM6212 – New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Payment Rates Effective for Dates of Service July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6212.pdf
MM6213 - Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit Software for October 2008
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6213.pdf
Release of the 2009 HCPCS Annual Update
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 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/ANHCPCS/
All changes are effective January 1, 2009, unless otherwise indicated in the effective date column.
ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Physicians
Physicians may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 17, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. To register for this call, go to http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/111708. To find additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
November 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Publications~Medicare%20Advisory~November%202008%20J1%20AB%20MAC%20Medicare%20Advisory?opendocument
The November 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory is now available to be
viewed on the Palmetto GBA Web site. Click on the link to view this
advisory.
The Presentation is Now Available for the Part B November 3 and 12 Web
Safari
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~The%20Presentation%20is%20Now%20Available%20for%20the%20Part%20B%20November%203%20and%2012%20Web%20Safari?opendocument
Click the link to locate the presentation for the J1 Part B Web Safari on
November 3 and 12.
****ASCO NEWS****
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its final Medicare physician fee schedule regulations for 2009.
The regulation announces that the Medicare physician conversion factor for 2009 will be $36.0666, which represents a decrease from the 2008 conversion factor ($38.0870). Congress took two actions in the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) earlier this year which affected the conversion factor:
1) MIPPA provides for a 1.1% update (applied to the 2008 conversion factor) in 2009.
2) MIPPA requires that budget neutrality for the physician fee schedule be achieved through adjustments to the physician conversion factor, instead of negative adjustments across relative value units (RVUs) for individual services.
As a result of the last 5-Year Review of physician work, RVUs for certain codes increased. Mandated budget neutrality requirements provide that increased payments for some codes due to relative value changes must be offset by reductions in the values of other codes. Previously CMS achieved this offset by adjusting the RVUs. Now Congress has mandated that the adjustment be made to the conversion factor instead. While the 1.1% update was made and is reflected in the conversion factor, the impact of the budget neutrality adjustment is greater and therefore results in an overall reduction.
The final rule includes a number of provisions in other areas including imaging, e-prescribing, anti-markup, self-referral, and PQRI. We will be reviewing the entire regulation carefully and sending out a comprehensive summary of changes that will affect oncologists, and their estimated impact.
CMS also released the Medicare 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment final rule yesterday. The rule finalizes CMS’ proposal to reduce drug payments in the outpatient department to ASP+4%. ASCO will also be reviewing and summarizing the hospital outpatient rules shortly.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced a new initiative for physicians to trade in their prescription pads and improve efficiency and safety when ordering drugs for patients with Medicare. The initiative is included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule for calendar year 2009. To view the Press Release, go to the web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp.
A copy of the final rule (CMS-1403-FC) is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PhysicianFeeSched/PFSFRN/itemdetail.asp?filterType=none&filterByDID=0&sortByDID=4&sortOrder=descending&itemID=CMS1216674&intNumPerPage=10
MM6212 – New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Payment Rates Effective for Dates of Service July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6212.pdf
MM6213 - Laboratory National Coverage Determination (NCD) Edit Software for October 2008
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6213.pdf
Release of the 2009 HCPCS Annual Update
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 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/ANHCPCS/
All changes are effective January 1, 2009, unless otherwise indicated in the effective date column.
ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call for Physicians
Physicians may now register for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-10-CM/PCS National Provider Conference Call that will be conducted on November 17, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST. To register for this call, go to http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/111708. To find additional information about this conference call and to access the ICD-10 Overview Presentation that will be discussed during the call, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_Sponsored_Calls.asp.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
November 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~Publications~Medicare%20Advisory~November%202008%20J1%20AB%20MAC%20Medicare%20Advisory?opendocument
The November 2008 J1 A/B MAC Medicare Advisory is now available to be
viewed on the Palmetto GBA Web site. Click on the link to view this
advisory.
The Presentation is Now Available for the Part B November 3 and 12 Web
Safari
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~The%20Presentation%20is%20Now%20Available%20for%20the%20Part%20B%20November%203%20and%2012%20Web%20Safari?opendocument
Click the link to locate the presentation for the J1 Part B Web Safari on
November 3 and 12.
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