The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
Palmetto Allows For Temporary Coverage Change in Response to Leucovorin Shortage
In December 2008, Arthur Lurvey, MD, the Contractor Medical Director for Palmetto GBA (MAC Jurisdiction 1), announced, "Until the supply shortage for Leucovorin has been corrected, we will allow the use of Fusilev (Levoleucovorin) in all places where Leucovorin was and is covered."
Important Changes to ASCO Coding & Reimbursement Hotline Policies & Procedures
Starting January 5, 2009, ASCO has implemented two important changes for the Coding & Reimbursement Hotline. We hope these changes will help expedite responses and improve service to ASCO members.
1) All hotline inquiries should be submitted via e-mail to practice@asco.org. We believe this will help streamline our response process.
2) We are now requesting that inquiries from members and their staff be accompanied by an ASCO member ID number.
State Society Executive Directors who are asking questions on behalf of State/Regional Affiliate members will continue to have access to the hotline. We appreciate your patience as we transition to this new process.
ASCO Hosting "Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009" Audio-Conference Call
ASCO will be hosting their Annual "Adapting to Changes in Medicare" audio-conference call on Thursday, January 22, 2009, from 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (EST). Discussion topics will include:
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Physician Fee Schedule
Overview of Medicare's 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System
Review of 2009 PQRI Program and oncology-specific measures
E-prescribing
Oncology Coding Update
For more information, and to register for this call, please visit the ASCO website.
FDA Approves Gleevec For Adjuvant Treatment of Adult Patients Following Complete Gross Resection of Kit (CD117) Positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
On December 19, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Imatinib Mesylate tablets for oral use (Gleevec®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) for the adjuvant treatment of adult patients following complete gross resection of Kit (CD117) positive Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
FDA Approves Plerixafor (In Combination With G-CSF) to Mobilize Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM)
On December 15, 2008, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved Plerixafor, solution for subcutaneous injection, (MozobilTM, Genzyme Corp.) for use in combination with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent autologous transplantation in patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Multiple Myeloma (MM).
Full prescribing information, including clinical trial information, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions, and contraindications is available on the FDA website.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first 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, January 14, 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.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 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 January 13, 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/011409
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 unable to attend, a replay option will be available shortly following the end of the call. This replay will be accessible from 4:30 p.m. EST 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The call- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to:Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****ION NEWS****
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients--Satellite Broadcast Event from Lilly
On Wednesday, January 21, Lilly Oncology will be hosting a satellite broadcast event on histology's role in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC. The discussion will be led by four distinguished faculty experts: Chandra Belani, M.D., Ronald Natale, M.D., Giorgio Scagliotti, M.D., and Mark Socinski, M.D. The program will take place at 7pm EST/ 6pm CST, with an alternate opportunity occuring at 10pm EST/ 9pm CST.
ION members can register by calling 1-888-253-2865 or by going to www.emergingevidence.com.
If you have any questions, please contact your ION relationship manager.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
Drug and Biological Injections and Infusions: Use of the Units Field
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~Drugs%20and%20Biologicals~Drug%20and%20Biological%20Injections%20and%20Infusions:%20Use%20of%20the%20Units%20Field?opendocument
This is a J1 Part B article regarding how to use the Units field on the
CMS-1500 form for drug and biological injections and infusions. This is
field 24G on the form.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
ACCC & CMA News plus Employment Opportunity
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 online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-12-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Expansion of PET Scans as Cancer Diagnostic Tool
CMS Announces New MAC Awards For Fee-for-Service Claims in 14 States
MedPAC Recommends Full Inpatient, Outpatient Payment Update
New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Medication Reconciliation
ACCC's CE Blackboard: Lung Cancer, Year in Review
Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) CMA Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
Medical Board Changes CME Reporting Requirements
Obama Administration Looks at Health Care Reform
Physicians Can Earn 2% Medicare Bonus for e-Prescribing
Deadline to Make Medicare Participation Decisions for 2009 Is 12/31
Order CMA's 2009 Model Medical Staff Bylaws
CMA Foundation Publishes 2009 Antibiotic Awareness Toolkit
Save the Date: 2009 Leadership Academy
Benefit of the Week: 30-50% off Epocrates
****EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
An ANCO member practice has the following employment opportunity available.
Busy Oncology/Hematology Practice currently has an opening in our Fremont office for an Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse. We are a continually growing company that provides outpatient oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. We have multiple offices within the Bay Area and pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.
The Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse will work in an outpatient setting and will be responsible for providing direct care to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Will plan, provide and document professional nursing care in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager. Prefer candidates with experience in chemotherapy administration, but willing to provide training for motivated candidates.
Requirements:
• Current California RN license
• Current BCLS
• Prefer OCN or Chemotherapy Provider Card
We offer an excellent benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. At Valley Medical Oncology Consultants we value our employees and believe that the overall success of the company is a direct result of our dedicated and caring staff.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a letter of interest with salary requirements along with your resume to kli@vmoc.com.
****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published today and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-12-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
CMS Proposes Expansion of PET Scans as Cancer Diagnostic Tool
CMS Announces New MAC Awards For Fee-for-Service Claims in 14 States
MedPAC Recommends Full Inpatient, Outpatient Payment Update
New Tool Developed to Predict Colorectal Cancer Risk
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: Medication Reconciliation
ACCC's CE Blackboard: Lung Cancer, Year in Review
Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings
****CMA NEWS****
The California Medical Association's (CMA) CMA Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp. This edition features:
Medical Board Changes CME Reporting Requirements
Obama Administration Looks at Health Care Reform
Physicians Can Earn 2% Medicare Bonus for e-Prescribing
Deadline to Make Medicare Participation Decisions for 2009 Is 12/31
Order CMA's 2009 Model Medical Staff Bylaws
CMA Foundation Publishes 2009 Antibiotic Awareness Toolkit
Save the Date: 2009 Leadership Academy
Benefit of the Week: 30-50% off Epocrates
****EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
An ANCO member practice has the following employment opportunity available.
Busy Oncology/Hematology Practice currently has an opening in our Fremont office for an Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse. We are a continually growing company that provides outpatient oncology services including chemotherapy, radiation, and clinical trials. We have multiple offices within the Bay Area and pride ourselves in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.
The Oncology Infusion Charge Nurse will work in an outpatient setting and will be responsible for providing direct care to patients undergoing chemotherapy. Will plan, provide and document professional nursing care in accordance with physician orders and established policies and procedures under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager. Prefer candidates with experience in chemotherapy administration, but willing to provide training for motivated candidates.
Requirements:
• Current California RN license
• Current BCLS
• Prefer OCN or Chemotherapy Provider Card
We offer an excellent benefits package including health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing. At Valley Medical Oncology Consultants we value our employees and believe that the overall success of the company is a direct result of our dedicated and caring staff.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a letter of interest with salary requirements along with your resume to kli@vmoc.com.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
OneOncology & Onmark Meeting Announcements
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****OneOncology Meeting Announcement****
We hope you'll join us for "The Big Picture: '09 Forecast"
A 1 hour webinar brought to you by OBR
Date: January 12, 2009
Time: 12PM EST / 9AM PST or 3PM EST / 12PM PST
Place: Your office
Amount: $190
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register
Speakers and Titles:
Don Sharpe, MBA
Publisher, Oncology Business Review
"08 In Review"
Joseph Bailes, MD
Noted Oncology Health Policy Expert
"Legislative Concerns for Oncology in '09: Providers, Patients, and Products"
Peter Bach, MD, MAPP
Associate Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
"Buy & Bill Must Go: A Look At How The Cancer Care Delivery Model Could Change Going Forward"
Thomas Barr, MBA
Chief Operating Officer, Oncology Metrics
"News Flash: The Economic Health of Oncology Practices is at the Epicenter of Health Care Reform and an Entire Industry"
A live Q&A will be moderated by Marc Samuels, JD, MPH, Partner, HillCo Partners.
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register.
****Onmark Meeting Announcement****
You are invited to join oncologists from across the country on the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2009 for an interactive educational experience with full audience participation, to be broadcast live from Chicago.
During this satellite broadcast event, 4 distinguished faculty experts will discuss the role of histology in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC patients, followed by an interactive question and answer session.
View the invitation for details at http://www.elabs6.com/content/24791/January%202009/Lilly%20Invite.pdf. Upon registration, you will be asked to select a location from over 150 event venues nationwide.
Program Title:
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients
Registration:
• Phone: 1.888.253.2865
• Online: www.emergingevidence.com
• Fax: 1.800.973.0367
A confirmation will be sent to registrants with program details. This event is supported by Lilly Oncology.
****OneOncology Meeting Announcement****
We hope you'll join us for "The Big Picture: '09 Forecast"
A 1 hour webinar brought to you by OBR
Date: January 12, 2009
Time: 12PM EST / 9AM PST or 3PM EST / 12PM PST
Place: Your office
Amount: $190
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register
Speakers and Titles:
Don Sharpe, MBA
Publisher, Oncology Business Review
"08 In Review"
Joseph Bailes, MD
Noted Oncology Health Policy Expert
"Legislative Concerns for Oncology in '09: Providers, Patients, and Products"
Peter Bach, MD, MAPP
Associate Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
"Buy & Bill Must Go: A Look At How The Cancer Care Delivery Model Could Change Going Forward"
Thomas Barr, MBA
Chief Operating Officer, Oncology Metrics
"News Flash: The Economic Health of Oncology Practices is at the Epicenter of Health Care Reform and an Entire Industry"
A live Q&A will be moderated by Marc Samuels, JD, MPH, Partner, HillCo Partners.
Go to https://www.oncbiz.com/bigpic09.php to Register.
****Onmark Meeting Announcement****
You are invited to join oncologists from across the country on the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2009 for an interactive educational experience with full audience participation, to be broadcast live from Chicago.
During this satellite broadcast event, 4 distinguished faculty experts will discuss the role of histology in the treatment of first-line advanced NSCLC patients, followed by an interactive question and answer session.
View the invitation for details at http://www.elabs6.com/content/24791/January%202009/Lilly%20Invite.pdf. Upon registration, you will be asked to select a location from over 150 event venues nationwide.
Program Title:
Emerging Evidence: The Role of Histology in the Treatment of First-line Advanced NSCLC Patients
Registration:
• Phone: 1.888.253.2865
• Online: www.emergingevidence.com
• Fax: 1.800.973.0367
A confirmation will be sent to registrants with program details. This event is supported by Lilly Oncology.
ASCO, ASH, & CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****ASCO NEWS****
There is currently a nationwide shortage of injectable racemic leucovorin, available only as a generic drug and only from two manufacturers in the US (Bedford Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the companies have not provided information on how long this shortage, caused by unspecified "manufacturing delays," is expected to last.
What about using levoleucovorin? Levoleucovorin is the levo isomeric form of racemic (d,l )-leucovorin, and is the pharmacologically active isomer of leucovorin. Levoleucovorin is available under the brand name "Fusilev" (Spectrum Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA website, limited supplies of levoleucovorin continue to be available (the ASHP does not list a shortage of this drug). Unlike leucovorin, levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in colorectal cancer or other malignancies (with the exception of use for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma). However, it has been used off-label in the treatment of malignancies, as a substitute for leucovorin, though noninferiority in terms of efficacy has not been tested either for metastatic disease or adjuvant therapy.
If clinicians and patients are considering the use of levoleucovorin, they should note the following:
The dose for levoleucovorin is 50% of the usual dose of racemic leucovorin
Levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for malignancy indications (except as noted above)
The cost of levoleucovorin may be significantly higher than for leucovorin
For the time being, you may wish to check with your Medicare contractor and private insurance carriers for coverage determinations.
The CMS HCPCS code for levoleucovorin is J0641 (effective January 1, 2009). Please see the prescribing label for complete information. (http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/020140s001lbl.pdf).
What about using oral leucovorin? According to the ASHP, leucovorin tablets are still available. Oral leucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in treatment of malignancies (except for methotrexate rescue in osteosarcoma), although its use has been evaluated in that setting. The use of oral leucovorin may be limited by the large number of tablets needed and by the fact that oral absorption of leucovorin is saturable and highly variable.,
What about using capecitabine to substitute for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin? Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of 5FU. For some treatment regimens, for some malignancies, substitution of capecitabine for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin is supported based on high quality randomized clinical trials. However, such data are not available for all 5FU/leucovorin containing regimens.
Capecitabine has been found to be noninferior to IV FU/leucovorin as single agents for both metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer., , In a large randomized phase III trial for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin was found to be noninferior to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). However, in the BICC-C trial, capecitabine and irinotecan (CAPIRI) was less efficacious and more toxic compared to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) at the doses of CAPIRI utilized in that trial. No efficacy data are available from two trials testing capecitabine with oxaliplatin in the adjuvant therapy setting for colon cancer to date.
The side effect profile of capecitabine differs from that for 5FU/leucovorin (e.g. more hand-foot syndrome). When using capecitabine, issues such as patient compliance and gastrointestinal absorption also merit consideration. Complete prescribing information is available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2005/020896s016lbl.pdf.
These decisions obviously need to be made by the treating physician in the context of individual patient circumstances.
What if I have patients enrolled in clinical trials using leucovorin? You should contact the study sponsor for instructions on how to proceed.
What can the FDA do? If shortages are projected to last for several weeks or months, the FDA has authority to investigate alternative sources of leucovorin, including foreign manufacturers. The FDA may also temporarily designate alternative drugs as acceptable but has not done so as of yet.
What can CMS do? ASCO has made CMS aware of this shortage and is advocating for coverage of appropriate alternatives during this shortage.
What is ASCO doing to assist members? ASCO is working with the FDA and CMS to identify and address issues that may surface as providers implement alternative treatment plans during this shortage. Specifically, ASCO will let members know when adequate supplies are expected. We will provide updates as new information becomes available from the manufacturers, FDA, CMS and other insurers. If you have questions, please contact us at policy@asco.org.
This alert is not medical or reimbursement advice or ASCO clinical guidance. Physicians should exercise professional clinical judgment in treating individual patients.
Additional Resources
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Drug Information® Off-label Use Determinations. Levoleucovorin, August 2008. Available at www.ahfsdruginformation.com.
AHFS Drug Information®. Leucovorin Calcium Monograph. Available at ASHP Web site.
ASHP Bulletin, Leucovorin Injection (Drug Shortages). Available at www.ASHP.org.
ASCO will be hosting a national audioconference on Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009 on Thursday, January 22 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM ET. You and your practice staff are invited to participated in this free audioconference. Registration instructions can be found in the attached announcement.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update has been published and is available at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
ASH Continues to Work to Add NIH Funding to Economic Recovery Package
ASH Urges MedPAC to Recommend a Realistic 2009 Physician Fee Update
PQRI 2009 Specifications Released – ASH to Organize Educational Session
Quick Reference on von Willebrand Guideline Now Available
Medicare Implements January 2009 HOPPS Update
Medicare Learning Network Education Material Mailing List Available
Medicare Hosts National Provider Conference Call on PQRI
Medicare Releases Quarterly CCI Update
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 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/02_HCPCS_Quarterly_Update.asp in the Downloads section under “Other Codes, April 2009.” Changes are effective on the date indicated on the update.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss the implementation of the Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians and non-physician practitioners.
Today, physicians and non-physician practitioners in 44 States and Washington, D.C. can use Internet-based PECOS to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
CMS expects to expand the availability of Internet-based PECOS for physicians and non-physician practitioners located in California, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Puerto Rico by end of January 2009. In addition, CMS will make Internet-based PECOS available next year to organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers).
During this Special ODF, CMS staff will discuss:
* Advantages of Internet-based PECOS,
* Use of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System User ID and password,
* Process associated with submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, and
* Certification Statement and supporting documentation.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Additional Information
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 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/.
We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 75911902
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 January 23, 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/
MM6070 – Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6070.pdf
SE0822 – Clarification of Medicare Payment for Routine Costs in a Clinical Trial
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0822.pdf
****ASCO NEWS****
There is currently a nationwide shortage of injectable racemic leucovorin, available only as a generic drug and only from two manufacturers in the US (Bedford Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the companies have not provided information on how long this shortage, caused by unspecified "manufacturing delays," is expected to last.
What about using levoleucovorin? Levoleucovorin is the levo isomeric form of racemic (d,l )-leucovorin, and is the pharmacologically active isomer of leucovorin. Levoleucovorin is available under the brand name "Fusilev" (Spectrum Pharmaceuticals). According to the FDA website, limited supplies of levoleucovorin continue to be available (the ASHP does not list a shortage of this drug). Unlike leucovorin, levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in colorectal cancer or other malignancies (with the exception of use for rescue after high-dose methotrexate therapy in osteosarcoma). However, it has been used off-label in the treatment of malignancies, as a substitute for leucovorin, though noninferiority in terms of efficacy has not been tested either for metastatic disease or adjuvant therapy.
If clinicians and patients are considering the use of levoleucovorin, they should note the following:
The dose for levoleucovorin is 50% of the usual dose of racemic leucovorin
Levoleucovorin is not FDA-approved for malignancy indications (except as noted above)
The cost of levoleucovorin may be significantly higher than for leucovorin
For the time being, you may wish to check with your Medicare contractor and private insurance carriers for coverage determinations.
The CMS HCPCS code for levoleucovorin is J0641 (effective January 1, 2009). Please see the prescribing label for complete information. (http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/020140s001lbl.pdf).
What about using oral leucovorin? According to the ASHP, leucovorin tablets are still available. Oral leucovorin is not FDA-approved for use in treatment of malignancies (except for methotrexate rescue in osteosarcoma), although its use has been evaluated in that setting. The use of oral leucovorin may be limited by the large number of tablets needed and by the fact that oral absorption of leucovorin is saturable and highly variable.,
What about using capecitabine to substitute for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin? Capecitabine is an oral pro-drug of 5FU. For some treatment regimens, for some malignancies, substitution of capecitabine for the combination of 5FU/leucovorin is supported based on high quality randomized clinical trials. However, such data are not available for all 5FU/leucovorin containing regimens.
Capecitabine has been found to be noninferior to IV FU/leucovorin as single agents for both metastatic colorectal cancer and adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer., , In a large randomized phase III trial for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin was found to be noninferior to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX). However, in the BICC-C trial, capecitabine and irinotecan (CAPIRI) was less efficacious and more toxic compared to IV 5-FU/leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) at the doses of CAPIRI utilized in that trial. No efficacy data are available from two trials testing capecitabine with oxaliplatin in the adjuvant therapy setting for colon cancer to date.
The side effect profile of capecitabine differs from that for 5FU/leucovorin (e.g. more hand-foot syndrome). When using capecitabine, issues such as patient compliance and gastrointestinal absorption also merit consideration. Complete prescribing information is available at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2005/020896s016lbl.pdf.
These decisions obviously need to be made by the treating physician in the context of individual patient circumstances.
What if I have patients enrolled in clinical trials using leucovorin? You should contact the study sponsor for instructions on how to proceed.
What can the FDA do? If shortages are projected to last for several weeks or months, the FDA has authority to investigate alternative sources of leucovorin, including foreign manufacturers. The FDA may also temporarily designate alternative drugs as acceptable but has not done so as of yet.
What can CMS do? ASCO has made CMS aware of this shortage and is advocating for coverage of appropriate alternatives during this shortage.
What is ASCO doing to assist members? ASCO is working with the FDA and CMS to identify and address issues that may surface as providers implement alternative treatment plans during this shortage. Specifically, ASCO will let members know when adequate supplies are expected. We will provide updates as new information becomes available from the manufacturers, FDA, CMS and other insurers. If you have questions, please contact us at policy@asco.org.
This alert is not medical or reimbursement advice or ASCO clinical guidance. Physicians should exercise professional clinical judgment in treating individual patients.
Additional Resources
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Drug Information® Off-label Use Determinations. Levoleucovorin, August 2008. Available at www.ahfsdruginformation.com.
AHFS Drug Information®. Leucovorin Calcium Monograph. Available at ASHP Web site.
ASHP Bulletin, Leucovorin Injection (Drug Shortages). Available at www.ASHP.org.
ASCO will be hosting a national audioconference on Adapting to Changes in Medicare for 2009 on Thursday, January 22 from 4:00 to 5:30 PM ET. You and your practice staff are invited to participated in this free audioconference. Registration instructions can be found in the attached announcement.
****ASH NEWS****
The American Society of Hematology's (ASH) Practice Update has been published and is available at http://www.hematology.org/policy/practice/. This edition features:
ASH Continues to Work to Add NIH Funding to Economic Recovery Package
ASH Urges MedPAC to Recommend a Realistic 2009 Physician Fee Update
PQRI 2009 Specifications Released – ASH to Organize Educational Session
Quick Reference on von Willebrand Guideline Now Available
Medicare Implements January 2009 HOPPS Update
Medicare Learning Network Education Material Mailing List Available
Medicare Hosts National Provider Conference Call on PQRI
Medicare Releases Quarterly CCI Update
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 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/02_HCPCS_Quarterly_Update.asp in the Downloads section under “Other Codes, April 2009.” Changes are effective on the date indicated on the update.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) to discuss the implementation of the Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) for physicians and non-physician practitioners.
Today, physicians and non-physician practitioners in 44 States and Washington, D.C. can use Internet-based PECOS to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, or check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet.
CMS expects to expand the availability of Internet-based PECOS for physicians and non-physician practitioners located in California, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Puerto Rico by end of January 2009. In addition, CMS will make Internet-based PECOS available next year to organizational providers and suppliers (except durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers).
During this Special ODF, CMS staff will discuss:
* Advantages of Internet-based PECOS,
* Use of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System User ID and password,
* Process associated with submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, and
* Certification Statement and supporting documentation.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions.
Additional Information
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 http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/.
We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Forum Participation Instructions:
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 75911902
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 January 23, 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/
MM6070 – Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6070.pdf
SE0822 – Clarification of Medicare Payment for Routine Costs in a Clinical Trial
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0822.pdf
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
DHCS/MediCal & Palmetto/J1MAC News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) mandates that all physician-administered drug claims require a National Drug Code (NDC). In order to comply with the DRA, providers must bill for these 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. An analysis of providers’ voluntary NDC submissions (for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008) indicates that physician-administered drug claims are being submitted without the NDC. 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) Progr
am do not require an NDC. For more information on NDC reporting, including FAQs, please visit the NDC page on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/ndc.asp
Note: Only those products manufactured by companies participating in the federal Medicaid rebate program are reimbursable under Medi-Cal. A list of manufacturers participating in the rebate program, which changes periodically, is available in the Medi-Cal part 2 manuals (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient provider manuals) under Drugs: Contract Drugs List Part 5 – Authorized Manufacturer Labeler Codes (drugs cdl p5) or on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/DocFrame.asp?wURL=publications%2Fmasters%2Dmtp%2Fpart2%2Fdrugscdlp5%5Fi00m00o00p00%2Edoc
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 . 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 Workshops
In addition, training workshops have been scheduled in January and February 2009 to address NDC reporting. The dates, times and locations of these workshops, and how to pre-register, can be found on the Medi-Cal Web site on the NDC page: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/articles/ndc_9992.asp .
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 or visit the Medi-Cal Web site at the address listed above.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
1099 Forms for 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Ohio%20Part%20B%20Carrier~Articles~General~1099%20Forms%20for%202008?opendocument
By January 31, 2009, your 2008 1099 from Palmetto GBA, LLC (serving as a
Medicare contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS))
will be mailed. Upon receipt, please review the document closely and
contact us immediately if you notice any discrepancies in your name, tax
identification number, or dollar amount reported.
Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule
and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Calendar%20Year%20(CY)%202009%20Annual%20Update%20for%20Clinical%20Laboratory%20Fee%20Schedule%20and%20Laboratory%20Services%20Subject%20to%20Reasonable%20Charge%20Payment%20?opendocument
MLN article 6070 is titled Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for
Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to
Reasonable Charge Payment. It provides instructions for the Calendar Year
(CY) 2009 clinical laboratory fee schedule, mapping for new codes for
clinical laboratory tests, and updates for laboratory costs subject to the
reasonable charge payment.
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
MLN article 6328, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update,
applies to physicians, providers, and suppliers who bill Medicare
contractors (carriers, fiscal intermediaries (FI), regional home health
intermediaries (RHHI), Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MAC), and
Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC) for
services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
Password Changes for ALL Current J1 PPTN Users
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Password%20Changes%20for%20ALL%20Current%20J1%20PPTN%20Users?opendocument
Password Changes for ALL Current PPTN Users - Beginning January 5, 2009,
all Professional Provider Telecommunication Network (PPTN) users will be
required to reset their Clerk ID password and then update it every 30 days.
Palmetto GBA has created a step-by-step instruction guide to help you
navigate the new PPTN screens. Please see notice linked below for more
details.
Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0,
Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~MLNs~General~Quarterly%20Update%20to%20Correct%20Coding%20Initiative%20(CCI)%20Edits,%20Version%2015.0,%20Effective%20January%201,%202009?opendocument
MLN article 6290, Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI)
Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009, applies to physicians
submitting claims to Medicare Carriers and/or Part A/B Medicare
Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs) for services provided to Medicare
beneficiaries.
Streamlining J1 Part B LCDs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Streamlining%20J1%20Part%20B%20LCDs?opendocument
This article is to notify J1 Part B providers that the Palmetto Team plans
to streamline the Part B LCDs on February 26, 2009, by implementing a
single set of J1 LCDs, with a single LCD Database ID Number, that will
apply to all Part B providers in J1.
****DHCS/MediCal NEWS****
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) mandates that all physician-administered drug claims require a National Drug Code (NDC). In order to comply with the DRA, providers must bill for these 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. An analysis of providers’ voluntary NDC submissions (for dates of service on or after September 1, 2008) indicates that physician-administered drug claims are being submitted without the NDC. 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) Progr
am do not require an NDC. For more information on NDC reporting, including FAQs, please visit the NDC page on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/ndc.asp
Note: Only those products manufactured by companies participating in the federal Medicaid rebate program are reimbursable under Medi-Cal. A list of manufacturers participating in the rebate program, which changes periodically, is available in the Medi-Cal part 2 manuals (General Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient provider manuals) under Drugs: Contract Drugs List Part 5 – Authorized Manufacturer Labeler Codes (drugs cdl p5) or on the Medi-Cal Web site at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/DocFrame.asp?wURL=publications%2Fmasters%2Dmtp%2Fpart2%2Fdrugscdlp5%5Fi00m00o00p00%2Edoc
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 . 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 Workshops
In addition, training workshops have been scheduled in January and February 2009 to address NDC reporting. The dates, times and locations of these workshops, and how to pre-register, can be found on the Medi-Cal Web site on the NDC page: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/ndc/articles/ndc_9992.asp .
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please call the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 or visit the Medi-Cal Web site at the address listed above.
****PALMETTO/J1MAC NEWS****
1099 Forms for 2008
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Ohio%20Part%20B%20Carrier~Articles~General~1099%20Forms%20for%202008?opendocument
By January 31, 2009, your 2008 1099 from Palmetto GBA, LLC (serving as a
Medicare contractor for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS))
will be mailed. Upon receipt, please review the document closely and
contact us immediately if you notice any discrepancies in your name, tax
identification number, or dollar amount reported.
Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule
and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Calendar%20Year%20(CY)%202009%20Annual%20Update%20for%20Clinical%20Laboratory%20Fee%20Schedule%20and%20Laboratory%20Services%20Subject%20to%20Reasonable%20Charge%20Payment%20?opendocument
MLN article 6070 is titled Calendar Year (CY) 2009 Annual Update for
Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule and Laboratory Services Subject to
Reasonable Charge Payment. It provides instructions for the Calendar Year
(CY) 2009 clinical laboratory fee schedule, mapping for new codes for
clinical laboratory tests, and updates for laboratory costs subject to the
reasonable charge payment.
Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20A~MLNs~All%20Part%20A%20MLNs~Claim%20Status%20Category%20Code%20and%20Claim%20Status%20Code%20Update?opendocument
MLN article 6328, Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update,
applies to physicians, providers, and suppliers who bill Medicare
contractors (carriers, fiscal intermediaries (FI), regional home health
intermediaries (RHHI), Medicare Administrative Contractors (A/B MAC), and
Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MAC) for
services provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
Password Changes for ALL Current J1 PPTN Users
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~EDI~General~Password%20Changes%20for%20ALL%20Current%20J1%20PPTN%20Users?opendocument
Password Changes for ALL Current PPTN Users - Beginning January 5, 2009,
all Professional Provider Telecommunication Network (PPTN) users will be
required to reset their Clerk ID password and then update it every 30 days.
Palmetto GBA has created a step-by-step instruction guide to help you
navigate the new PPTN screens. Please see notice linked below for more
details.
Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0,
Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~MLNs~General~Quarterly%20Update%20to%20Correct%20Coding%20Initiative%20(CCI)%20Edits,%20Version%2015.0,%20Effective%20January%201,%202009?opendocument
MLN article 6290, Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI)
Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009, applies to physicians
submitting claims to Medicare Carriers and/or Part A/B Medicare
Administrative Contractors (A/B MACs) for services provided to Medicare
beneficiaries.
Streamlining J1 Part B LCDs
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/DocsCat/Providers~Jurisdiction%201%20Part%20B~Articles~General~Streamlining%20J1%20Part%20B%20LCDs?opendocument
This article is to notify J1 Part B providers that the Palmetto Team plans
to streamline the Part B LCDs on February 26, 2009, by implementing a
single set of J1 LCDs, with a single LCD Database ID Number, that will
apply to all Part B providers in J1.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
CMS News
The following information has been received by ANCO.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first 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, January 14, 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.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 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 January 13, 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/011409
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 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 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The cal- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to: Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
****CMS NEWS****
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first 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, January 14, 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.
Following a short presentation on what’s new for the 2009 PQRI, 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: January 14, 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 January 13, 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/011409
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 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 1/14/2009 until 11:59 p.m. EST 1/21/2009. The cal- in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 79451256.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to: Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
Monday, January 5, 2009
ACCC, ASCO, & CMS 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 online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-05-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
ACCC Submits Comments to CMS on HOPPS Final Rule
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
FDA Approves New Drug for Prostate Cancer
New Spanish Language Educations Resources Available from NCI
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: ESA Claims and Coding
ACCC's CE Blackboard: Lung Cancer, Year in Review
Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe571578736d02757714&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf112797d60067f7116717d&l=fe52157576620c787c1c&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3316717d640678721572. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
ASCO Recognized by FDA and Honored with Award
Deadline Approaching to Submit an Abstract for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASCO's Newest Issue of Clinical Cancer Advances Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Year End Update on Cancer Policy Activities
Early Registration Deadline for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium: Jan. 23
Read the Newest JCO Original Report on the Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Read the Newest JOP Feature, "Continued Regulatory Actions Affecting the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)"
Apply for the Medical Student Rotation, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Apply for the Resident Travel Award, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Don't Miss Out on the Event, Cancer Advances: A Public Forum on Gastrointestinal Cancers
Cancer.Net Feature: Top Cancer Advances in 2008
Cancer.Net Podcast: Clinical Cancer Advances 2008
****CMS NEWS****
MM6328 – Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6328.pdf
MM6290 – Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6290.pdf
****ACCC NEWS****
The Association of Community Cancer Center's (ACCC) This Week At ACCC was published today and is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/2009/media_ACCCNEWSLETTER_1-05-2009.html. ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. This edition features:
ACCC Submits Comments to CMS on HOPPS Final Rule
Register Today: March 18-21, 2009, ACCC's 35th Annual National Meeting
FDA Approves New Drug for Prostate Cancer
New Spanish Language Educations Resources Available from NCI
ACCC’s Drug Database and Compendia-Based Drug Bulletin Put on Hold
Q&A on ACCC's Listserv: ESA Claims and Coding
ACCC's CE Blackboard: Lung Cancer, Year in Review
Take Our Survey: Oncology Issues and ACCC's Website
State Medical Oncology Societies Host Membership Meetings
****ASCO NEWS****
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe571578736d02757714&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf112797d60067f7116717d&l=fe52157576620c787c1c&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe3316717d640678721572. ANCO is a state/regional affiliate of ASCO. This edition features:
2009 ASCO Election Results Now Available Online
ASCO Recognized by FDA and Honored with Award
Deadline Approaching to Submit an Abstract for the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting
ASCO's Newest Issue of Clinical Cancer Advances Now Available Online
Cancer Policy Alert: Year End Update on Cancer Policy Activities
Early Registration Deadline for the 2009 GU Cancers Symposium: Jan. 23
Read the Newest JCO Original Report on the Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Read the Newest JOP Feature, "Continued Regulatory Actions Affecting the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)"
Apply for the Medical Student Rotation, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Apply for the Resident Travel Award, funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Don't Miss Out on the Event, Cancer Advances: A Public Forum on Gastrointestinal Cancers
Cancer.Net Feature: Top Cancer Advances in 2008
Cancer.Net Podcast: Clinical Cancer Advances 2008
****CMS NEWS****
MM6328 – Claim Status Category Code and Claim Status Code Update
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6328.pdf
MM6290 – Quarterly Update to Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Edits, Version 15.0, Effective January 1, 2009
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6290.pdf
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