Lord of the Files
Visit the official blog for guests and subscribers of the Oncology Manager's Briefcase.
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Contact Us
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Melissa Welch
Southwest Oncology Network
6921 Shoreview Drive
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Genomic Health rolls out Colon Cancer Test
San Francisco Business Times - by Ron Leuty
January 21, 2010
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A colon cancer test from Genomic Health Inc. was made commercially available, the company said, aiming to build off the success of its Oncotype DX breast cancer test.
The 12-gene diagnostic test aims to predict individual recurrence of stage II colon cancer in patients following surgery. About one-third of the 30,000 to 40,000 stage II colon cancer patients in the United States receive chemotherapy after surgery, but Genomic Health has said only 2 percent to 4 percent benefit from chemo.
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| Merck Announces J-Code Designation from CMS for TEMODAR
WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ -- January 8, 2010 - Merck announced today that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), under the Medicare Part B benefit, has assigned a product-specific billing code, or J-code, for TEMODAR® (temozolomide) for Injection. The J-code, J9328 (injection, temozolomide, per 1 mg), is effective as of January 1, 2010. The Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System National Panel reviewed Merck's application and assigned the product-specific J-code for use by payers. The HCPCS National Panel is made up of members of the private insurance industry, Medicaid, and Medicare. TEMODAR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme concomitantly with radiotherapy and then as maintenance treatment. The IV formulation is supplied in single-use glass vials containing 100 mg temozolomide. TEMODAR given as an intravenous infusion over 90 minutes is bioequivalent to the capsule formulation. TEMODAR for Injection has a separate J-code from TEMODAR Capsules.
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BioVectra signs agreement with Sandoz to commercialize and market Docetaxel. |
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BioVectra Inc. announced today it has signed agreements with Sandoz Inc. of Princeton, New Jersey, for Sandoz to commercialize and market the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Docetaxel for injection, the generic version of Taxotere®, developed by BioVectra.
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2 Reasons Why You Must Do Exit Interviews Tuesday, January 26, 2010 3:00 AM
by Steve Bruce
A well-thought-out exit interview can help an employer:
- Avert serious lawsuits;
- Gather critical feedback about salaries, morale, and management practices;
- Determine the causes of turnover;
- Gain information required by law; and
- Take care of necessary administrative actions.
The main purpose is to give departing employees an opportunity to express any residual feelings-positive or negative-that they have about their departure, and to offer their suggestions for how the job or the work environment might be improved. Read More |
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Participate in the Struggle!!!
Courtesy of Bobbi Buell |
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Did you know that, in many offices, the cuts to drug administration codes this year, have had a much worse impact on practices than the loss of consult codes? Folks, this has been going on since 2007 and will continue until 2013 if we do not do something right this minute. You can do what over 3000 interested people have done so far---sign a important petition. Make sure your friends, patients, vendors, and community sign it too.
It is imperative that every member of Congress, as well as every candidate, hears from the cancer community about the crisis facing cancer care. So, we urge you not only to sign the petition, but also to ask everyone you know to sign the petition. Signing takes less than 60 seconds to fill in your name and location, and then respond to an email confirming that you are the signer.
Simply go to the COA website to sign up right now. In response to requests from practices, we have posted (under Immediate Action Needed, 2nd post) a paper petition and informational flyer. Practices are putting this right in the waiting room. Cancer professionals, patients, and survivors are distributing this document in all communities. The stories coming in have been great about this effort.
Coming together as a cancer community and putting aside all differences at this time is critical. Let's work together to get the word out to every American about the crisis we all face in protecting and enhancing the world's best cancer care delivery system. |
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Suggested Reading
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Simple Truths : Clear and Gentle Guidance on the Big Issues in Life
By Kent Nerburn
(As described on Amazon.com)
Seldom does a book come along that speaks to the core issues in life with the clarity and wisdom of Simple Truths. Drawing on the insights put forth in his widely praised book, Letters to My Son, award-winning author Kent Nerburn offers clear and gentle guidance on such central life experiences as love, work, possessions, strength, solitude, and death.
This is a profound book, deeply informed by the spiritual traditions of the West, the Far East, and Native Americans, with whom the author has worked for many years. Its honest authority and moral focus appeals to readers of such classics as The Prophet and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Its simple format and beautiful presentation make it ideal for the intelligent gift-giver looking for a small treasure.
For ordering information, click here. | |
