The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Friday it will essentially freeze the current Medicare physician payment system because the Congress left Washington for its July 4 recess without reaching agreement on legislation to avert the scheduled 10.6% pay cut. Congressional staff report the freeze could last up to 10 days past the statutory July 1 deadline, which means that the Senate will have three days after it reconvenes July 7 to pass a payment fix before the HHS freeze is lifted.
New talks between Senate Democrats and Republicans will need to resolve this issue before July 10. Until then, physician payments will stay as is.
Advocacy by all physicians continues to put pressure on the Senate to pass needed legislation to avert the payment cuts.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Lymphoma Research Foundation: Educational Forum on Lymphoma 2008
Lymphoma Research Foundation and Lymphoma Foundation Canada, in collaboration with Cancer Legal Resource Center, CLL Information Group, Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation, National Marrow Donor Program(R), Planet Cancer and UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Present:
13th Annual
North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma
For Lymphoma Patients, Survivors and Loved Ones
September 26 - 28, 2008
San Francisco, CA | Hotel Nikko
The premier patient education and networking forum for lymphoma patients, survivors, loved ones and healthcare professionals in North America!
Over 600 lymphoma patients, survivors and loved ones attended in 2007!
This year's agenda will include more information by disease type than ever before!
About the Forum
The North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma is the most comprehensive lymphoma-specific educational conference in North America! This 2 1/2 day annual program provides people with lymphoma and their loved ones with critical information about making the best decisions on treatment options, patient support issues and the latest in lymphoma research.
Program Chairs
Laurie Sehn, MD, MPH
British Columbia Cancer Agency
Julie M. Vose, MD
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Program Agenda
View the complete agenda and speaking faculty here.
New for 2008
* Expanded Conference Structure: More disease- and treatment-specific breakout sessions, an expanded and new research panel format, comprehensive clinical trials education by disease type, special topic post-conference workshops and much more!
* Expert Speaking Faculty: Hear a variety of presentations and have your specific questions answered by our expert speaking faculty comprised of over 25 lymphoma specialists and patient support experts from around the world.
* Unrivaled Networking: Meet other people with your same type of lymphoma from around the world and exchange ideas and experiences. Networking opportunities include: welcome reception, meals, extended breaks and disease-specific breakout sessions.
Hotel Accommodations
Special group rates are available from September 25, 2008 to September 29, 2008. View hotel information and rates here.
Registration Information
The early registration fee for lymphoma patients, survivors and loved ones is $50 USD per person until August 1, 2008. After August 1, 2008, the registration fee increases to $75 USD per person. Registration fees include the following meals: Friday Welcome Reception and breakfast, lunch and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday. REGISTER EARLY as space is limited!
FOUR EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
Web: Click Here
Call: (800) 500-9976
Fax: (310) 204-7043
Mail: Lymphoma Research Foundation
8800 Venice Boulevard, Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Program Supporters
The 2008 North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma is supported by unrestricted educational grants to the Lymphoma Research Foundation from:
Presenting Sponsor:
Genentech BioOncology | Biogen Idec
Gold Sponsors:
Celgene
Cephalon Oncology
Merck Oncology
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Silver Sponsor:
Lilly Oncology
What 2007 Attendees Have Said
* "I was extremely impressed with the expertise of the presenters and the whole flow of the conference. We could not have been taken better care of."
* "The amount of information could have been much more overwhelming if it had not been cushioned by care and attention."
* "The effort to provide contact with others of similar diagnoses was particularly appreciated!"
* "The breakout sessions on my type of lymphoma were by far the most valuable and connecting with fellow patients. It was very hopeful."
* "This was great for our needs."
* "The program was well done . . . all staff and speakers worked seamlessly with a good discussion between speakers and audience. Thank you!"
* "Very good how you helped attendees interact so often with fellow patients. We were given very useful updates."
* "The selection of topics was representative of many patient concerns."
* "Program provided me with helpful info in understanding my lymphoma."
Online information available at
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=3905329
13th Annual
North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma
For Lymphoma Patients, Survivors and Loved Ones
September 26 - 28, 2008
San Francisco, CA | Hotel Nikko
The premier patient education and networking forum for lymphoma patients, survivors, loved ones and healthcare professionals in North America!
Over 600 lymphoma patients, survivors and loved ones attended in 2007!
This year's agenda will include more information by disease type than ever before!
About the Forum
The North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma is the most comprehensive lymphoma-specific educational conference in North America! This 2 1/2 day annual program provides people with lymphoma and their loved ones with critical information about making the best decisions on treatment options, patient support issues and the latest in lymphoma research.
Program Chairs
Laurie Sehn, MD, MPH
British Columbia Cancer Agency
Julie M. Vose, MD
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Program Agenda
View the complete agenda and speaking faculty here.
New for 2008
* Expanded Conference Structure: More disease- and treatment-specific breakout sessions, an expanded and new research panel format, comprehensive clinical trials education by disease type, special topic post-conference workshops and much more!
* Expert Speaking Faculty: Hear a variety of presentations and have your specific questions answered by our expert speaking faculty comprised of over 25 lymphoma specialists and patient support experts from around the world.
* Unrivaled Networking: Meet other people with your same type of lymphoma from around the world and exchange ideas and experiences. Networking opportunities include: welcome reception, meals, extended breaks and disease-specific breakout sessions.
Hotel Accommodations
Special group rates are available from September 25, 2008 to September 29, 2008. View hotel information and rates here.
Registration Information
The early registration fee for lymphoma patients, survivors and loved ones is $50 USD per person until August 1, 2008. After August 1, 2008, the registration fee increases to $75 USD per person. Registration fees include the following meals: Friday Welcome Reception and breakfast, lunch and refreshments on Saturday and Sunday. REGISTER EARLY as space is limited!
FOUR EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
Web: Click Here
Call: (800) 500-9976
Fax: (310) 204-7043
Mail: Lymphoma Research Foundation
8800 Venice Boulevard, Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90034
Program Supporters
The 2008 North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma is supported by unrestricted educational grants to the Lymphoma Research Foundation from:
Presenting Sponsor:
Genentech BioOncology | Biogen Idec
Gold Sponsors:
Celgene
Cephalon Oncology
Merck Oncology
Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Silver Sponsor:
Lilly Oncology
What 2007 Attendees Have Said
* "I was extremely impressed with the expertise of the presenters and the whole flow of the conference. We could not have been taken better care of."
* "The amount of information could have been much more overwhelming if it had not been cushioned by care and attention."
* "The effort to provide contact with others of similar diagnoses was particularly appreciated!"
* "The breakout sessions on my type of lymphoma were by far the most valuable and connecting with fellow patients. It was very hopeful."
* "This was great for our needs."
* "The program was well done . . . all staff and speakers worked seamlessly with a good discussion between speakers and audience. Thank you!"
* "Very good how you helped attendees interact so often with fellow patients. We were given very useful updates."
* "The selection of topics was representative of many patient concerns."
* "Program provided me with helpful info in understanding my lymphoma."
Online information available at
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=3905329
ASCO's Cancer Policy Alert Published
Late last night, after a political back-and-forth, the Senate failed to move H.R. 6331, the legislation that would have averted the 10.6% cut to final passage. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6331, The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, by an overwhelming vote of 355-59. Since both the House and Senate have adjourned for the July 4th recess, this means that the 10.6% cut to physician payments will go into effect on July 1st . It is possible, but not guaranteed, that the Congress will pass a bill in July to adjust physician payments retroactively.
Thank you to all who contacted their Members of Congress in the lead up to these votes. Please continue to call and visit your Senators, Representatives, and their staff in their district offices while they are home for the week of June 30 - July 4. Thank those who supported H.R. 6331 and urge all Senators and Representatives to pass an SGR patch as soon as they return to Washington, DC, after the July 4 district work period. Your calls, letters, e-mails, and in-person visits make a huge impact and are critical to keeping this issue at the top of the priority list.
ASCO will continue to advocate for immediate legislative action when Congress returns from recess. For more information, contact ASCO's Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 703-299-1050 or publicpolicy@asco.org.
Thank you to all who contacted their Members of Congress in the lead up to these votes. Please continue to call and visit your Senators, Representatives, and their staff in their district offices while they are home for the week of June 30 - July 4. Thank those who supported H.R. 6331 and urge all Senators and Representatives to pass an SGR patch as soon as they return to Washington, DC, after the July 4 district work period. Your calls, letters, e-mails, and in-person visits make a huge impact and are critical to keeping this issue at the top of the priority list.
ASCO will continue to advocate for immediate legislative action when Congress returns from recess. For more information, contact ASCO's Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 703-299-1050 or publicpolicy@asco.org.
ACCC'S NATIONAL ONCOLOGY ECONOMICS CONFERENCE: HOTEL/TRAVEL SAVINGS ALERT
Are you planning to attend the Association of Community Cancer Centers 25th National Oncology Economics Conference in San Francisco, September 17–20, 2008?
Save money by making your hotel and travel reservations early!
Host Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415.788.1234
Fax: 415.398.2567
www.hyatt.com
Hotel Accommodations
Rooms are filling fast. Don't miss out. The Hyatt is holding rooms for the ACCC conference at a reduced rate until August 18, 2008 (or until the block of rooms is sold out): Single or Double rooms are $235 plus tax (currently 14% plus $.13 per night). Suites, triple, and quad occupancy are available at an additional cost.
For room reservations, please call central reservations at 888.421.1442, and refer to the group and conference name in order to obtain the discount. Online reservations are also available, please click here. The reduced rate is available from September 16-20, 2008. If you wish to extend your stay, the special group rate may be available up to three days before and after the conference based on hotel availability.
Hyatt requires a credit card or one night's prepayment by check or money order to hold hotel reservations. Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours in advance of your scheduled day of arrival. Cancellations received after this time will be charged one night's room and tax. Check-in time is 3:00 pm; check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Official Travel Agency
Association Travel Concepts (ATC) is the official travel agency for this conference. Please contact ATC for discounted airline and car rental reservations at 800.458.9383 or by email atreservations@atcmeetings.com. Discounts are available for travel between September 14–September 23, 2008. You may also book online at www.atcmeetings.com where you can check Internet fares. Please click here for more information.
Registration Fees
Register by August 15 for the best rate! Members, registered and paid by August 15, just $490. Second registrant, just $350. Registration fees include official program events, materials, social events and all scheduled meal functions as outlined in the agenda.
Read our brochure.
REGISTER BY AUGUST 15 FOR THE BEST RATE!
Save money by making your hotel and travel reservations early!
Host Hotel
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: 415.788.1234
Fax: 415.398.2567
www.hyatt.com
Hotel Accommodations
Rooms are filling fast. Don't miss out. The Hyatt is holding rooms for the ACCC conference at a reduced rate until August 18, 2008 (or until the block of rooms is sold out): Single or Double rooms are $235 plus tax (currently 14% plus $.13 per night). Suites, triple, and quad occupancy are available at an additional cost.
For room reservations, please call central reservations at 888.421.1442, and refer to the group and conference name in order to obtain the discount. Online reservations are also available, please click here. The reduced rate is available from September 16-20, 2008. If you wish to extend your stay, the special group rate may be available up to three days before and after the conference based on hotel availability.
Hyatt requires a credit card or one night's prepayment by check or money order to hold hotel reservations. Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours in advance of your scheduled day of arrival. Cancellations received after this time will be charged one night's room and tax. Check-in time is 3:00 pm; check-out time is 12:00 noon.
Official Travel Agency
Association Travel Concepts (ATC) is the official travel agency for this conference. Please contact ATC for discounted airline and car rental reservations at 800.458.9383 or by email atreservations@atcmeetings.com. Discounts are available for travel between September 14–September 23, 2008. You may also book online at www.atcmeetings.com where you can check Internet fares. Please click here for more information.
Registration Fees
Register by August 15 for the best rate! Members, registered and paid by August 15, just $490. Second registrant, just $350. Registration fees include official program events, materials, social events and all scheduled meal functions as outlined in the agenda.
Read our brochure.
REGISTER BY AUGUST 15 FOR THE BEST RATE!
NHIC/Medicare Website Updates
The following updates have been posted to the NHIC/Medicare website and are available at http://www.medicarenhic.com/cal_prov/updates.shtml
The Allowance Limits for Medicare Part B Drugs for July and revised ones for the past two quarters are now available.
Two new educational articles have been added: PQRI Notification of New Quarterly Updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule Public Use File (PUF) and 2008 PQRI Establishment of Alternative Reporting Periods and Reporting Criteria.
The Allowance Limits for Medicare Part B Drugs for July and revised ones for the past two quarters are now available.
Two new educational articles have been added: PQRI Notification of New Quarterly Updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule Public Use File (PUF) and 2008 PQRI Establishment of Alternative Reporting Periods and Reporting Criteria.
Palmetto/J1MAC Website Updates
The following updates have been posted to the Palmetto/J1MAC website.
J1 Transition Events Calendar
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/J1%20Transition%20Events%20Calendar?opendocument
Please download the latest version of the J1 Transition Events Calendar to
replace what you may have previously downloaded from our Web site. This
version has the most up-to-date dates and times for the J1 transition
workshops, PTT calls, and Web-based trainings. Based on our customers'
feedback, we've noted the Pacific Time zones on all of our calendar events.
Applies to:
Part A Transition: General
Part B Transition: General
----------
Part B Transition Web-based Trainings
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Part%20B%20Transition%20Web-based%20Trainings?opendocument
Palmetto GBA will be conducting Web-based trainings to answer your
questions concerning the transition. You will have an opportunity to hear
directly from your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) regarding such
topics as transition dates, what is needed to continue to bill
electronically, how the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) process will
work, the differences in claims processing guidelines and much more. You
can now register to attend an upcoming Web-based training, find the call-in
number, and download training materials.
Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
J1 Transition Events Calendar
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/J1%20Transition%20Events%20Calendar?opendocument
Please download the latest version of the J1 Transition Events Calendar to
replace what you may have previously downloaded from our Web site. This
version has the most up-to-date dates and times for the J1 transition
workshops, PTT calls, and Web-based trainings. Based on our customers'
feedback, we've noted the Pacific Time zones on all of our calendar events.
Applies to:
Part A Transition: General
Part B Transition: General
----------
Part B Transition Web-based Trainings
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Part%20B%20Transition%20Web-based%20Trainings?opendocument
Palmetto GBA will be conducting Web-based trainings to answer your
questions concerning the transition. You will have an opportunity to hear
directly from your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) regarding such
topics as transition dates, what is needed to continue to bill
electronically, how the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) process will
work, the differences in claims processing guidelines and much more. You
can now register to attend an upcoming Web-based training, find the call-in
number, and download training materials.
Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
CMS/Medicare: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) ~ National Provider Call to be held on July 9th
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Provider Communications Group, will host the fifth in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., EDT, on Wednesday, July 9, 2008.
This call will provide information on accessing your 2007 PQRI Feedback Report (for those of you who participated in 2007); an overview of the 2008 PQRI participation options, and a question and answer session.
The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) (P.L. 110-173), which was enacted on December 29, 2007, requires that for 2008 and 2009 the Secretary establish alternative reporting periods and alternative criteria for satisfactorily reporting groups of measures. It also requires that for 2008 and 2009 the Secretary establish alternative reporting periods and alternative criteria for satisfactorily reporting quality measures data through registries.
In 2008, eligible professionals may earn an incentive payment of 1.5 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Service covered professional services furnished during the respective alternative reporting periods based on data submitted via these mechanisms. While TRHCA established a cap on incentive payments for 2007, based on an average per measure payment amount, there is no cap on incentive payments under MMSEA for 2008 and 2009.
These provisions provide increased opportunities for eligible professionals to report PQRI quality measures and the possibility to earn incentive payments for satisfactory reporting.
A PowerPoint slide presentation will be posted to the PQRI web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/02_CMSSponsoredCalls.asp, on the CMS website for you to download prior to the call so that you can follow along with the presenters: Dr. Michael Rapp, Dr. Daniel Green and Ms. Rachel Nelson.
Following the presentation, callers will have an opportunity to ask questions of CMS subject matter experts.
Conference call details:
Date: July 9, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 3:30-5:00 (EDT)
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 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on July 8, 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/070908
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 5:30 p.m. (EDT), 7/9/2008, until 11:59 p.m. (EDT), 7/16/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 52755102.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
This call will provide information on accessing your 2007 PQRI Feedback Report (for those of you who participated in 2007); an overview of the 2008 PQRI participation options, and a question and answer session.
The Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) (P.L. 110-173), which was enacted on December 29, 2007, requires that for 2008 and 2009 the Secretary establish alternative reporting periods and alternative criteria for satisfactorily reporting groups of measures. It also requires that for 2008 and 2009 the Secretary establish alternative reporting periods and alternative criteria for satisfactorily reporting quality measures data through registries.
In 2008, eligible professionals may earn an incentive payment of 1.5 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Service covered professional services furnished during the respective alternative reporting periods based on data submitted via these mechanisms. While TRHCA established a cap on incentive payments for 2007, based on an average per measure payment amount, there is no cap on incentive payments under MMSEA for 2008 and 2009.
These provisions provide increased opportunities for eligible professionals to report PQRI quality measures and the possibility to earn incentive payments for satisfactory reporting.
A PowerPoint slide presentation will be posted to the PQRI web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/02_CMSSponsoredCalls.asp, on the CMS website for you to download prior to the call so that you can follow along with the presenters: Dr. Michael Rapp, Dr. Daniel Green and Ms. Rachel Nelson.
Following the presentation, callers will have an opportunity to ask questions of CMS subject matter experts.
Conference call details:
Date: July 9, 2008
Conference Title: 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 3:30-5:00 (EDT)
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 3:30 p.m. (EDT) on July 8, 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/070908
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 5:30 p.m. (EDT), 7/9/2008, until 11:59 p.m. (EDT), 7/16/2008. The call in data for the replay is (800) 642-1687 and the passcode is 52755102.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
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