ANCO Online ListServ

ASCO's Cancer Policy Today Published

2008-07-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5515767360017b7213&m=ff311d707460&ls=fe0112707160057f72157377&l=fea516737564057975&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&ju=fe1f1579726d0475771276.

It features:

Senators Introduce $5.2 Billion FY 2008 Supplemental Funding for NIH

Congress Overrides President's Veto of Medicare Legislation

Senate Committee Passes $325M Increase for FDA

Senate Passes Conquer Childhood Cancer Act

ASCO Launches JOP Series on Exemplary Attributes of Research Sites

Your Participation Needed for the Physician Practice Information Survey

4th Annual Oncology Congress (Sept 25-28; San Francisco Hilton)

2008-07-24T07:41:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Oncology Congress Advisory Board, I cordially invite you to attend the 4th Annual Oncology Congress, September 25-28, at the Hilton San Francisco.

We've developed a very educational four-day meeting specifically for you, the US-based practicing clinician. Personally, this is one of the most amazing collections of talent that I have seen in a venue of this kind. Our faculty will focus specifically on clinically-relevant diagnosis and treatment advances. Each will present the latest clinical data and best practices that are directly applicable to achieving optimal patient outcomes. When you have a moment, please take a look at the program. I guarantee that you will leave the Congress with ideas you can directly apply to your practice the day you return from the conference.

Since you are a member of one of Oncology Congress’ partnering associations, Reed Medical Education is offering complimentary registration to the first 50 registrants. A special discounted rate has been set up for all other members: $395 for physicians, free for fellows and residents, and $195 for all other clinicians (nurses, practice managers, physician assistants, etc). When registering, use priority code ANCO to receive your special rate.

To ensure thought-provoking interaction, attendance is limited. You may want to register soon to reserve your place.

For more information on the conference and to register visit www.oncologycongress.com.

I hope to see you in San Francisco this September.

Patrick J. Loehrer, Sr., MD, Chairperson, Oncology Congress
Director, Division of Hematology/Oncology
Bruce Kenneth Wiseman Professor of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine

CMS/Medicare: Website Updates

2008-07-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

The following updates have been posted to the CMS/Medicare website.

SE0826 – Important Information on the New Medicare Law – The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0826.pdf

MM6115 – Hospice Discharge for Cause
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6115.pdf

MM6116 – Revision of the Requirements for Denial of Payment for New Admissions (DPNA) for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Billing
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6116.pdf

MM6128 – Revision to Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Common Working File (CWF) Editing
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6128.pdf

THIS WEEK AT ACCC: JULY 21-25, 2008

2008-07-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

The following information is provided by the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). ANCO is an Institutional Member of ACCC. It is available online at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/media_ACCC_july21_08.html.

It features:

More than 150 Listen to ACCC Conference Call on CMS Proposed 2009 Rules

Congress Overrides Presidential Veto to Pass Medicare Physician Payment Fix

September in San Francisco! What Could Be Better?

ACCC to Host Oncology Pharmacy Meeting in September

Do You Treat CML Patients? Still Looking for Docs to Take Our Survey

Heard on the ACCC Listserv, Standards in Infusion Suite

ACCC's CE Blackboard: New Continuing Education Programs for You

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Upcoming Meetings

ASCO e-News Published

2008-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) e-News was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe501576706c037b731c&m=ff2d16787160&ls=fdf312747766077a72107777&l=fe6115747d610c7f7415&s=fdf2157972640d79751d7073&ju=fe2d15797260047d771374.

It features:

Applications for the 2009 ASCO Cancer Foundation Grants Program Now Being Accepted

Submit an Abstract for 2009 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium

New Address, Phone Number for ASCO Headquarters

JCO Impact Factor Increases to 15.484 from 13.598

Editors Sought for ASCO Daily News and ASCO News & Forum

2008 Annual Meeting Products and Resources Available Online

Purchase Virtual Meeting, View Top Three ASCO Annual Meeting Presentations

Attend 2008 UICC World Cancer Congress

Cancer Policy Alert: Senate Passes Medicare Legislation, CMS Answers Questions about 10 Day Medicare Physician Payment Hold

For Your Patients: Cancer Education Slides Available for Patient, Community Presentations

For Your Patients: New Cancer.Net Feature Explains Electronic Health Records

For Your Patients: What to Expect During PET Scan

JCO Early Release Articles Examine Tumor Metabolism, Blood Flow Changes by PET in Breast Cancer; International Peripheral T-Cell and Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma Study; Bendamustine Plus Rituximab in Patients with Relapsed Indolent B-Cell and Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma; KRAS and EGFR as Biomarkers of Response to Erlotinib

Future JCO Table of Contents

CMA Alert: Congress Overrides Presidential Veto; Medicare Cuts Reversed

2008-07-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

The California Medical Association (CMA) Alert was published today and is available online at http://www.calphys.org/html/news.asp.

It features:

Congress Overrides Presidential Veto; Medicare Cuts Reversed for 2008- 2009

Medicare Will Automatically Reprocess Physician Claims Paid at Lower Rate

CMA Seeking Clarification on Blue Shield Contract Amendment

United to Withdraw 3,000 Overpayment Requests

Blue Cross Files Medi-Cal Managed Care Termination Notices in Eight Counties

Deadline to Submit Resolutions to CMA’s 2008 House of Delegates Is 8/5

Help Make the CMA Foundation Annual Dinner a Success

Member Benefit of the Week: 30-50% off Epocrates

UCSF's 3rd International Symposium on Cancer Metastasis and the Lymphovascular System

2008-07-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

UCSF's (an ANCO Institutional Member) 3rd International Symposium on Cancer Metastasis and the Lymphovascular System will take place May 6-9, 2009 in San Francisco.

Visit https://www.cme.ucsf.edu/cme/CourseDetail.aspx?coursenumber=MSU09002 for more information and to register.

DHCS/MediCal: NDC Reporting

2008-07-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Beginning September 1, 2008, providers are encouraged to begin using the National Drug Code (NDC) for physician-administered drugs, in conjunction with the customary Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level I, II, or III code, on all Medi-Cal claims. Claims for dates of service September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009 that do not include an NDC will not be denied. However, for claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2009 that do not meet the NDC reporting requirements of a valid NDC present with the HCPCS code, will result in that claim being denied.

As you are aware, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) requires all state Medicaid Agencies to collect rebates from drug manufacturers for physician-administered or dispensed drugs. This requirement also applies to Medicare crossover claims. 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 pharmacy manual under Drugs: Contract Drugs List Part 5 – Authorized Manufacturer Labeler Codes (drugs cdl p5) or on the Medi-Cal website at: http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/publications/masters-mtp/part2/drugscdlp5_p00.doc

This email is advance notice that the Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) will soon be publishing the details regarding NDC reporting requirements. All documentation, such as Medi-Cal Updates and Companion Guides, are currently being updated. Those details include: NDC and 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.

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.

DHCS/MediCal: Code Conversions-Blood and Blood Derivatives

2008-07-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

This article serves as a reminder that, effective for dates of service on or after August 1, 2008, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will discontinue the use of the current Medi-Cal interim codes for blood products and some services related to administering those products. These interim codes will be replaced by Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4) codes so as to be in compliance with provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191, 45 CFR 162.1000.

Complete details of the billing changes, including manual replacement pages (MRPs), can be found in the June release of the Medi-Cal Updates bulletin Part 2, which can be accessed from the Medi-Cal Web site by clicking on the “Publications” tab on the Home page. Click here to access the General Medicine Part 2 bulletin, found at http://files.medi-cal.ca.gov/pubsdoco/publications/bulletins/gm/archive/word/gm20080601.doc

For additional assistance, providers may contact the Telephone Service Center (TSC) at 1-800-541-5555 or visit the Medi-Cal Web site at www.medi-cal.ca.gov and access the NPI link on the “Featured” tab.

CMS/Medicare: CY2009 Physician Fee Schedule

2008-07-17T06:59:00.002-07:00

Section 1848(k)(2)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Pub. Law 110-173), requires the Secretary to publish a proposed set of quality measures that would be appropriate for eligible professionals to use to submit data in 2009 in the Federal Register by August 15, 2008. This proposed set of quality measures for the 2009 PQRI and the proposed 2009 PQRI reporting options were published in the Calendar Year 2009 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (73 FR 38558 through 38576) in the Federal Register on July 7, 2008

In the Proposed Rule, we identified and proposed a subset of the proposed 2009 PQRI measures as measures that we would accept reporting through electronic health records (EHRs) in 2009. Asterisks were used to signify such measures in Tables 11 and 13 of the Proposed Rule (73 FR 38568, 38571). Asterisks were inadvertently left off of two measures that we had intended to propose as measures that we would accept reporting through EHRs in 2009 Б─⌠ Measures #110 (Preventive Care and Screening: Influenza Immunization for Patients Б┴╔ 50 Years Old) and #111 (Preventive Care and Screening: Pneumonia Vaccination for Patients 65 years and Older) in Table 11 (73 FR 38569). We will be issuing a correction notice for the Proposed Rule that will include asterisks for Measures #110 and #111 so that the total number of measures proposed for EHR submission would be seventeen measures rather than fifteen measures.

CMS/Medicare: An Update on the 2007 PQRI Reporting Period

2008-07-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) today announced payment of more than $36 million in bonus payments to many of the more than 56,700 health professionals who satisfactorily reported quality information to Medicare under the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).

“Creating a value-based purchasing system is a critical way to improve our health care systems. By collecting quality data, health care providers can use the information to improve the quality care of beneficiaries,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt.

Physicians, physician group practices, and other PQRI eligible professionals should receive their payments by August 2008. The average incentive amount for individual professionals is over $600 and average incentive payment for a physician group practice is over $4,700, with the largest payment to a physician group practice totaling over $205,700.

The PQRI is part of the President’s Value-driven Health Care Agenda that seeks to address current problems in the health care sector regarding preventable errors, uneven quality of care and rising health care costs.
More information about the PQRI program, including how eligible professionals can participate and the criteria to qualify for an incentive payment is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI.

To read the entire CMS Press release issued today, click here: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=3198&

CMS/Medicare: New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Payment Rates Effective for Dates of Service July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008

2008-07-17T06:58:00.001-07:00

New 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Payment Rates Effective for Dates of Service July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 was enacted on July 15, 2008. As a result, the mid-year 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) rate of -10.6 percent has been replaced with a 0.5 percent update, retroactive to July 1, 2008.

Physicians, non-physician practitioners and other providers of services paid under the MPFS should begin to receive payment at the 0.5 % update rates in approximately 10 business days, or less. Medicare contractors are currently working to update their payment system with the new rates.

In the meantime, to avoid a disruption to the payment of claims for physicians, non-physician practitioners and other providers of services paid under the MPFS, Medicare contractors will continue to process the claims that have been on hold on a rolling basis (first in/first out) for payment at the -10.6% update level. After your local contractor begins to pay claims at the new 0.5% rate, to the extent possible, the contractor will begin to automatically reprocess any claims paid at the lower rates.

Under the Medicare statute, Medicare pays the lower of submitted charges or the Medicare fee schedule amount. Claims with dates of service July 1 and later billed with a submitted charge at least at the level of the January 1 – June 30, 2008, fee schedule amount will be automatically reprocessed. Any lesser amount will require providers to contact their local contractor for direction on obtaining adjustments. Non-participating physicians who submitted unassigned claims at the reduced nonparticipation amount also will need to request an adjustment.

Contractor websites are being updated with the new rates and these should be available shortly.

Be aware that any published MLN Matters articles affected by the new law will be revised or rescinded as appropriate.

Finally, be on the alert for more information about other legislative provisions which may affect you.

Further instructions regarding other provisions of MIPPA will be forthcoming.

Palmetto/J1MAC Website Updates

2008-07-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

The following updates have been posted to the Palmetto/J1MAC website.

Currently, information submitted to NHIC in CMS 1500 claim form Item 10D is
rejected/denied by NHIC. How will this be handled once claims are
submitted to Palmetto GBA?
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Currently%2C%20information%20submitted%20to%20NHIC%20in%20CMS%201500%20claim%20form%20Item%2010D%20is%20%20rejecteddenied%20by%20NHIC.%20%20How%20will%20this%20be%20handled%20once%20claims%20are%20submitted%20to%20Palmetto%20GBA%3F?opendocument

Currently, information submitted to NHIC in CMS 1500 claim form Item 10D is
rejected/denied by NHIC. How will this be handled once claims are
submitted to Palmetto GBA?

Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
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PTT-2008-07-01-PartB.pdf
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/PTT-2008-07-01-PartB.pdf?opendocument

Read the July 1, 2008, Part B J1 A/B MAC Meeting Minutes.

Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
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ASCO Policy Alert: Congress Overrides President's Veto of Medicare Legislation

2008-07-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

ASCO's Cancer Policy Alert was published today and can be viewed online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe661576706404747417&m=ff311d707460&ls=fe0112707160057f72157377&l=fea516737564057975&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&ju=fe22157973600d75771072.

Yesterday, the President vetoed H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, the bill that would avert the 10.6% cut to Medicare physician payments the Medicare legislation that would avert the 10.6 percent cut. The House and Senate both voted to override the veto yesterday evening.

The law will provide a 0.5% increase for the remainder of 2008 (retroactive to July 1) and a 1.1% increase for 2009. ASCO will update you on the plans for implementation once the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) releases information.

Palmetto/J1MAC Website Updates

2008-07-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

The following information is provided by Palmetto/J1MAC.

Part B Transition Web-based Trainings
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Part%20B%20Transition%20Web-based%20Trainings?opendocument

More Dates Added with Later Start Times! Please register for one of the
upcoming Part B Web-based trainings. We've just added new sessions on July
21, 2008 at 7 p.m. EST or July 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. EST.

Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
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Vendors, Billing Services and Clearinghouses: Important Early Boarding
Notification
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Vendors%2C%20Billing%20Services%20and%20Clearinghouses%3A%20Important%20Early%20Boarding%20Notification%20?opendocument

This is a very important Early Boarding Notification specifically geared to
Vendors, Billing Services and Clearinghouses regarding the Jurisdiction 1
transition to Palmetto GBA.

Applies to:
Part A Transition: EDI
Part B Transition: EDI

MGMA Washington Connexion 7/15: Act now! President vetoes Medicare physician payment bill

2008-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today the president vetoed the Medicare Improvement Act for Patients and Providers (H.R. 6331). The House of Representatives must now schedule a new vote to override the veto, followed by a similar vote in the Senate. A two-thirds majority in each chamber must support a veto override for it to succeed.

Please use the grassroots hotline at 800.833.6354 to call Congress and urge lawmakers to immediately override the veto of H.R. 6331 to provide 18 months of positive Medicare payments to physicians and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to quality care.

Please click the links below to see how your senators and representatives previously voted on this bill. If they voted "yea", thank them for their support of this important legislation and urge them to vote to override the presidential veto. If they voted "nay", urge them to reconsider their position and vote to override the veto.

This bill reverses the 10.6 percent cut to Medicare reimbursement that took effect July 1 and the projected 5.4 percent cut scheduled for 2009. It continues the 0.5 percent payment increase for 2008 and provides an additional 1.1 percent increase in 2009.

CMS/Medicare: Presentation Materials Posted for July 15, 2008 Special Open Door Forum on 2008 PQRI Reporting Initiative - Participation by the America

2008-07-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

The PowerPoint Presentation for the July 15, 2008 Special Open Door Forum (ODF) has been posted on http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/02_CMSSponsoredCalls.asp . They can be accessed by clicking on the link under the "Related Links Outside CMS" section at the bottom of the web page.

THIS WEEK AT ACCC: JULY 14-18, 2008

2008-07-15T07:31:00.001-07:00

The Association of Community Cancer Centers' (ACCC) This Week at ACCC has been published and is available at http://www.accc-cancer.org/mediaroom/newsletters/media_ACCC_july14_08.html.

It features:

ACCC to Hold Thursday Conference Call on CMS Proposed 2009 Rules

Pharmacy Departments Lose Under ASP+4 CMS Proposal

Senate Passes 18-Month Medicare Physician Payment Fix

September in San Francisco! What Could Be Better?

ACCC to Host Oncology Pharmacy Meeting in September

Do You Treat CML Patients? Take Our Survey

Heard on the ACCC Listserv, Again and Again: Outpatient Infusion Center Tracking

Welcome Aboard to ACCC's Newest Members

ACCC's CE Blackboard: New Continuing Education Programs for You

State Medical Oncology Societies Host Upcoming Meetings

Medicare Bill Is Not Yet Law as White House Indicates President Will Veto

2008-07-15T07:30:00.001-07:00

The White House has indicated that the President intends to veto the Medicare bill that the Congress has passed. If that happens, and may well take place on Tuesday (July 15th), the bill will have to go back to both the House and the Senate for votes to override the veto. It is assumed that both Houses of Congress have the votes required to overcome the veto; however, reports are that the Administration is reaching out to the Republican Senators who voted in favor of the bill in an attempt to convince three Senators to change their votes. Sixty-nine Senators voted for the legislation and 67 votes are needed to override a veto.

The President is under pressure to sign the Medicare bill because, without legislation, the 10.6% cut becomes effective tomorrow, July 15th. This is the date on which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicated it will begin to process claims, with a date of service of July 1st or later, reflective of the 10.6% reduction. Even if the President decides to veto the bill, the current odds favor that the Congress will override the veto and the bill will be signed into law.

CMA Alert: President Expected to Veto Medicare Physician Payment Fix

2008-07-14T07:26:00.001-07:00

Medicare Alert: Call Your Member of Congress TODAY!

Next week, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate will vote to override the President’s planned veto of the bill to stop the 15% Medicare physician payment cuts (HR 6331). The President is vetoing HR 6331 because the physician payment fix is funded with Medicare Advantage health plan reforms.

Yesterday the Senate passed HR 6331 by a veto proof margin of 69-30. In a landslide vote the week before, the House passed the bill by a vote of 355-59. While both the House and the Senate have enough votes to override the President’s veto, the health plans are aggressively lobbying the Republicans to switch their votes to avert an override.

CMA Action Requested

Therefore, CMA needs all physicians to call their Members of Congress today (no need to call the Senators) and ask:

— Please vote yes on the HR 6331 veto override.
— Stop the 15% physician payment cuts.
— Help Medicare patients and military families keep their doctors.

Use the AMA Grassroots Hotline (800) 833-6354. Enter your zip code and it will automatically connect you to your Representative.

Background

HR 6331 would reverse the 10.6% payment cut that took effect on July 1, 2008, and stop the 5% cut on January 1, 2009. It would provide a 0.5% update for the rest of 2008 and a 1.1% increase in 2009. The bill would pay for the rate restoration by minor tweeks to the Medicare Advantage program. It would require Private Fee-For-Service plans to have contracts with physicians and meet the same marketing and quality requirements the other health plans meet. It would end duplicative Indirect Medical Education payments to the Medicare Advantage plans that already go to the hospitals.

For California medical groups and physicians who contract with Medicare Advantage plans, HR 6331 does not cut Medicare Advantage in 2008-2009 while restoring nearly $10 billion in funding for all physician services. HR 6331 is good for all California physicians and their patients. If the 15% cut is not stopped, many physicians will be forced to reduce access to Medicare patients.

California HR 6331 Votes

Senators Boxer and Feinstein both voted YES.

All California Members of Congress voted YES except:
NO – Doolittle, Lungren, Herger, Radanovich, Campbell, Royce
NOT VOTING – Nunes, Speier

Palmetto/J1MAC Website Updates

2008-07-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

The following updates have been posted to the Palmetto/J1MAC website.

Cancelled: Part B Web-based Training on July 14 at 12:30 p.m
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Cancelled%3A%20Part%20B%20Web-based%20Training%20on%20July%2014%20at%2012%3A30%20p.m?opendocument

The J1 A/B MAC Part B Web-based training on July 14 at 12:30 p.m. PST has
been cancelled. Please register to attend our next Part B Web-based
training on July 16, 2008 at 10 a.m. PST. We are sorry for any
inconvenience this may cause. Thank you.

Applies to:
Part B Transition: General
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Noridian Customers (Segment 1): The J1 go live date is August 4, 2008!
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Noridian%20Customers%20(Segment%201)%3A%20The%20J1%20go%20live%20date%20is%20August%204%2C%202008!?opendocument

Attention Noridian Customers (Segment 1): Begin sending your J1 claims to
Palmetto GBA (early board) immediately to avoid interruptions in your
Medicare payments. Review the website at www.PalmettoGBA.com/j1 for all
details. Waiting until the last minute to transition will cause payment and
support delays!

Applies to:
Part B Transition: EDI
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Transition Communication
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Transition%20Communication?opendocument

Palmetto GBA Publishes a Transition Communication article to Assist
Providers with a Smooth Transition to the Jurisdiction 1 (J1) Medicare
Administrative Contractor (MAC). The Palmetto GBA J1 Web site is filled
with very important transition information. We understand that getting to
all of the available information may be confusing. We have published an
article that incorporates important transition information with direct Web
site links. We hope this article provides a concise overview of transition
information. We do caution, however, not to use this article alone for
transition information because our Web site is updated almost daily with
pertinent information for a successful and smooth implementation.

Applies to:
Part A Transition: General
Part B Transition: General
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Urgent Information for J1 Noridian EDI Submitters
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/j1.nsf/DocsCat/Urgent%20Information%20for%20J1%20Noridian%20EDI%20Submitters?opendocument

J1 Noridian EDI Submitters: Urgent information regarding our EDI transition
schedule is now available.

Applies to:
Part B Transition: EDI

CMS/Medicare Website Updates

2008-07-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that a new educational resource has been posted to the PQRI webpage on the CMS website and is available for ordering through the Medicare Learning Network product ordering system.

The following item is available for download on the PQRI Educational Resources web page:

2008 PQRI Reporting Options Quick Reference Chart- This two-sided laminated reference chart gives Eligible Professionals and practice staff a quick reference to the new reporting options available for 2008 PQRI with their corresponding alternative reporting periods.

To access this new, and all available, educational resource, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI on the CMS website and click on the Educational Resources tab. Once on the Educational Resources page, scroll down to the “Downloads” section and click on the “2008 PQRI Quick Reference Chart link.

To order this product, visit http://cms.meridianksi.com/kc/main/kc_frame.asp?kc_ident=kc0001&loc=5 on the CMS website and click on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Reporting Quick Option Reference Chart (ICN# 900843)(May 2008) link.

ASCO's Cancer Policy Today Published

2008-07-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Today was published and is available online at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe6515767164007d761c&m=ff311d707460&ls=fe0112707160057f72157377&l=fea516737564057975&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&ju=fe1e157970610174731578.

It feautres:

Senate Passes Medicare Legislation

Proposed 2009 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Summary

CMS Answers Questions about 10 Day Medicare Physician Payment Hold

Wall Street Journal Reports on Rising Costs of Cancer Treatments

Ohio Passes Law Requiring Coverage for People on Clinical Trials

Cancer Leadership Council Endorses Access to Cancer Clinical Trials Act

Cancer Leadership Council Voices Concerns on Delayed FDA Expanded Access Rules

Your Participation Needed for the Physician Practice Information Survey

ASCO Conducting Learning Needs Assessment of Member Physicians

ASCO Moves to New Headquarters

2008-07-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Clinical Oncology and The ASCO Cancer Foundation are moving on July 11, 2008 to

2318 Mill Road
Suite 800
Alexandria, VA 22314
USA

Phone: +1-571-483-1300
Fax: +1-571-366-9530

ASCO's Cancer Policy Alert Published

2008-07-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

The American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) Cancer Policy Alert was published today and is available at http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe561576766c0d757314&m=ff311d707460&ls=fe0112707160057f72157377&l=fea516737564057975&s=fe1f15797d620479731d75&ju=fe241579706005797d1679.

This afternoon, the Senate passed H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, which would avert the 10.6% cut to Medicare physician payments, by a veto-proof majority. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 6331 before the July fourth recess, also by a veto-proof majority. The President has threatened to veto the bill and still might in order to force the House and Senate to override the veto.

The legislation would maintain the current 0.5% increase to physician payments from 2007for the remainder of 2008 (retroactive to July 1). The legislation also provides a 1.1% increase for 2009.

This bill had failed by one vote in the Senate on June 26, but Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), while under active treatment for cancer, returned today to Washington D.C. to make this important vote to ensure that this bill passed.

Thank you to all of you who were in contact with your Representative and Senators during this difficult series of votes. Your outreach made a difference. ASCO will keep you updated as this legislation advances to the President.