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California Oncology Weekly
"Where California Oncologists go for Answers!"
A collaborative publication of the
Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Inc.
and the
Association of Northern California Oncologists, Inc.
June 10, 2013
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National News |
- Manufacturers may be required to use bar codes on every drug package. In the past six years, there have been 81 deaths, and nearly 800 serious injuries from poisonous Chinese ingredients in heparin, continuous efforts to sell counterfeit Avastin to oncology practices, and numerous instances where fake or stolen versions of atorvastatin (Lipitor) entered the supply chain. Last week, the House of Representatives passed legislation that, by 2015, would require manufacturers to place bar codes on every drug package they ship to track the drug pedigree. The bill doesn't require wholesalers or pharmacies to adopt a computerized tracing system that can make use of those bar codes for another dozen years-and even then only if the Food and Drug Administration comes up with a rule requiring them to do so. The Senate version of the bill requires traceability by wholesalers and pharmacies, but not until 10 years after law enactment.
-Stop the sequester cut to cancer drugs, you need to deliver a simple message to your Representatives to CO-SPONSOR H.R. Congresswoman Ellmer's bill, H.R. 1416, the Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2013. H.R. 1416 instructs CMS to stop the application of the sequester cut to cancer drugs and other drugs covered under Medicare Part B.This is a critical time to push. Following are the California representatives who signed onto the Session Letter, BUT HAVE NOT Co-Sponsored H.R.1416: Mike Thompson (5th Dist); Doris Matsui (6th Dist); Ami Bera (7th Dist); Eric Swalwell (15th Dist); Michael Honda (17th Dist); Devin Nunes (22nd Dist); Lois Capps (24th Dist); Julia Brownley (26th Dist); Linda Sanchez (38th Dist); Mark Takano (41st Dist). Please take some time to reach out to your Representatives offices. All materials and information are on the COA website in the Sequestration Resource Center at
http://www.communityoncology.org/site/sequestration-resource-center.htm
-Following the House's lead, the Senate introduced a bill to repeal ICD-10. A bill seeking repeal of the ICD-10 code set is now in both chambers of Congress after its introduction to the U.S. Senate last month. The Cutting Costly Codes Act of 2013 <http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s972/text>, which was first introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives in April, would prohibit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from implementing, administering or enforcing current regulations that require the new code set to take effect Oct. 1, 2014. The bill was introduced to the Senate May 16 by Senators Tom Coburn, MD, R-Okla., John Barrasso, MD, R-Wyo., Rand Paul MD, R-Ky., and John Boozman, R-Ark. In addition to repealing implementation of the ICD-10 code set, the legislation also would require a federal study on ways to mitigate the disruption any replacement of the ICD-9 code set would cause for physicians and other health care providers.
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CMS News
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-Transitioning to ICD-10 Webinar. Until the dust settles in Washington DC,join CMS staff on June 20, 2013, at 1 p.m. PT for an informative webinar for healthcare providers, professional coders, clearinghouses and vendors on ICD-10. This webinar will cover: Background and Impact of ICD-10 (CMS, HHS and industry); CMS internal ICD-10 implementation; how CMS works with the states; how CMS is partnering with industry; best practices; frequently asked questions and resources and contact Information.
http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/ls/J1B~987MPN1440?opendocument&utm_source=J1BL&utm_campaign=J1BLs&utm_medium=email
- Medicare urges seniors to join the fight against fraud. New health care summaries help seniors identify improper payments.A redesigned statement of claims for services and benefits, are being mailed to people with Medicare, which will help the beneficiary better spot potential fraud, waste and abuse. These newly redesigned Medicare Summary Notices are just one more way the Obama Administration is making the elimination of fraud, waste and abuse in health care a top priority. Because of actions like these and new tools under the Affordable Care Act, the number of suspect providers and suppliers thrown out of the Medicare program has more than doubled in 35 states.
-MGMA Insurance Exchange Essentials for Practice Executives. This year is critical for implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and many changes are scheduled to go into effect in 2014. Health insurance exchanges will provide coverage for millions of new individuals and many small businesses. The MGMA has created a resource to help members better understand important issues related to the exchanges and to prepare their practices for negotiating payer contracts with exchange plans. The resource includes:
Overview of health insurance marketplaces or exchanges; Key implementation issues to watch with exchanges; Contracting tips from the MGMA-ACMPE Payer Contracting Society
For more on the ACA, visit the MGMA resource center.
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California News
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- While President Barack Obama was in California last week, promoting a California effort to educate Americans about the health reform law and insurance coverage enrollment that the administration hopes will serve as a model for other states, on Friday, June 7, five Republican U.S. senators, Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.); Richard Burr (R-N.C.); Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.); Pat Roberts (R-Kan.); and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), sent a letter to HHS asking the agency to investigate California's policies to conceal certain records related to its state health insurance exchange, known as Covered California. According to an AP review of 16 other states that have chosen to run their own health insurance exchanges, California is the most restrictive about what exchange information is required to be made public. According to the letter, California, which was awarded nearly $910 million in federal taxpayer dollars to develop and operate Covered California, should publicly account for the federal funding. California Sens. Bill Emmerson (R-Redlands) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) are promoting legislation (SB 332) that would strip authority from the state to conceal certain health insurance exchange records. The lawmakers also asked HHS to investigate whether any other states are concealing details of exchange contracts.
-The California HealthCare Foundation works as a catalyst to fulfill the promise of better health care for all Californians. The CHCF Health Innovation Fund supports entrepreneurs with businesses that have the potential to significantly lower the cost of care or improve access to care. To learn more about the Innovation Fund and their current investments, visit www.chcf.org/innovation-fund.
-The California Cancer Registry (CCR) serves the public by collecting statewide data, conducting surveillance and research into the causes, controls, and cures of cancer and communicating results to the public. The CCR produces annual reports on statewide cancer incidence and mortality rates from 1988 through the most recent year for which data are complete. The CCR monitors the occurrence of cancer among Californians, both incidence (new diagnoses) and mortality (deaths). California Cancer Registry (CCR) data are used to: Monitor the number of new cancer cases and cancer deaths over time; Examine disparities in cancer risk, treatment and survival; Examine treatment choices and other predictors of survival; Measure the success of cancer screening programs; Respond to public concerns and questions about cancer; and Conduct research to find the causes and cures of cancer. The CCR has an online data and mapping tool that will allow you to generate customized maps and tables of California cancer incidence or mortality rates by sex, race/ethnicity and by county (for individual counties that have populations large enough to produce stable rates). This data query system can be accessed on the CCR website: www.ccrcal.org/Data_and_Statistics/index.shtml. The CCR also works with the American Cancer Society to publish a report entitled "California Cancer Facts and Figures" each year. This publication, which includes the estimated number of new cancer cases and deaths for the current year in California and in each county, is available on request to ACS (1-800-ACS-2345) or on the CCR website. Questions that cannot be answered by CCR's Data and Mapping Tool or CCR reports, may be answered by contacting staff at the CCR, visit website at www.ccrcal.org or call 916-731-2500 for more information.
-Comp Cancer/California Cancer Registry Survey Results. In March CCR asked for feedback on the content, use and dissemination of future reports created by the CCR and the Comp Cancer Programs. Click here to see the results.
-California Cancer Registry 101 Webinar, June 25, 2013,12:00pm-1:00 pm PDT.
The Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and the California Cancer Registry is offering a free webinar about the California Cancer Registry so that you and your programs/organizations may better utilize the state cancer data available to you from this program. Information is easily accessible online using the CCR's data and mapping tool at www.ccrcal.ca.gov! Attend the free webinar to learn more about the resources available on the CCR's website. To register https://cdph-ooa.webex.com/cdph-ooa/j.php?ED=19694583&RG=1&UID=1418143502&RT=MiM0
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-The link for the handout of the Jurisdiction E Part A&B transition presentation of Thursday, June 6, 2013 is below. Noridian discussed the JE Transition. Click here to view the handout.
-Jurisdiction E (JE) EDI Support Services Hotline Available. Jurisdiction E (JE) providers and vendors can pose their EDI implementation-related questions to support@edissweb.com. Providers and vendors also have the option of contacting the JE EDI Hot line at 1-855-721-4184. The Hot line will be available from 6:00 am to 5 pm Pacific Time, Monday - Friday to address EDI related questions to the JE implementation.
-Noridian Meet and Greets To Add Additional Locations. Due to the overwhelming response to the current meetings, additional locations for in-person implementation meetings in California are being developed. Additional cities/areas we are pursuing include San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks, Riverside and Pasadena. More information will be sent when sites and times are determined.
-JE Implementation Ask the Contractor (ACT) Question and Answers - 5/29/13
Listed below are the Questions and Answers from the 5/29/13 JE Implementation ACT teleconference. In some cases, multiple questions have been combined, the original questions have been edited for clarity, and answers given during the call may have been expanded to provide further detail. Read the complete update
-JE Implementation 101 Workshop View and Listen is Now Available
The JE Implementation 101 Workshop View and Listen is now available.
The recording of the previously presented workshops can be viewed on the JE website at https://www.noridianmedicare.com/je/docs/jurisdiction_e_workshops_are_now_available.html
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-Specific check-writes scheduled for fiscal year (FY) 2012 - 2013 will be delayed until the start of FY 2013 - 2014 as outlined.
Two Week Check-write Hold for Fee-for-Service Provider Payments: June 20, 2013.
Payments to providers who render services through Medi-Cal funded programs that are scheduled for the June 20, 2013, check-write will be deferred to July 5, 2013, assuming a July 1, 2013, enactment of the 2013 - 2014 Budget Act.
One Week Check-write Hold for Fee-for-Service Provider Payments (Including State Only Programs): June 27, 2013. Payments to providers who render services through Medi-Cal and State funded programs that are scheduled for the June 27, 2013, check-write will be deferred to July 5, 2013, assuming a July 1, 2013, enactment of the 2013 - 2014 Budget Act. Payments to the Every Woman Counts program shall be excluded from all June check-write holds.
-10% Medi-Cal cut could be implemented this summer. In October 2011, CMS approved the state's plan to reduce certain Medi-Cal payments by 10%. The cut would be retroactive to June 1, 2011.According to the state Department of Health Care Services, the cut would apply to various health care providers and outpatient services. In December 2012, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a district court ruling to stop the retroactive 10% cut. Health care providers asked the full 9th Circuit court to review the case. In May, the full 9th Circuit Court upheld the cut. As a result of the ruling, the 10% reduction now must be implemented unless plaintiffs appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court and the high court blocks the cut while the case is heard and decided. State lawmakers also could block the cut by approving legislation that draws enough support to sustain a possible veto by Brown.
Meanwhile, Brown included the payment reduction in his revised fiscal year 2013-2014 budget proposal
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- Highlights at ASCO 2013, as summarized by MOASC Chairman, Cary A. Presant, M.D., will be published in the ASCO publication of Oncology Issues. For more information, please contact moasc@moasc.org
-Amino Acids - Weapons of Mass Construction (Muscle and Mitochondria) will be presented by Bijan Pourat, M.D. at the LunchTime Series Teleconference scheduled for June 26th from 12:00pm - 1:30pm-PST. If you have any questions, please email the MOASC Office at moasc@moasc.org.
-Access MOASC through various social media sights! Stop by to view our page, "like" us, and let your contacts and colleagues know. All can appreciate MOASC's educational and informative postings through theMOASC Website MCN Website MOASC Facebook Page
MOASC Linkedin Page
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- ANCO will host a 2Q2013 Professional Education webcast on Tuesday, May 21 at 12:30PM. This webcast will introduce Noridan Administrative Services (the new Medicare/JEMAC) to ANCO members and review CMS Incentive Program timelines and reporting requirements. ANCO appreciates the support of Celgene and TEVA Oncology for this webcast. The webcast announcement was mailed the week of April 22; visit www.anco-online.org/2Q2013.html to download a copy.
- ANCO's 2013 staff salary survey was mailed to all ANCO community-based practices the week of April 29. Completed surveys (one per practice) should be returned to the ANCO office no later than July 30. Go to www.anco-online.org/salsrvy.html to download a copy of the survey.
- As a member of ANCO you now have access to participate in the MOASC Purchasing Network (MPN). MPN functions as a group purchasing organization to help participants manager the largest expense (drugs) in their oncology practices. The MPN mission is to negotiate prices and arrange for the purchases of drugs, as well as supplies and equipment, directly from manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and wholesalers for the benefit of participants. MPN's drug distribution partner is Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions and through the negotiated contract, participants receive an 8% upfront discount on generics, flexible payment terms, price matching, and quarterly rebates. MOASC membership is required to participate in MPN. Both ANCO and MOASC recognized the opportunity for significant savings and have negotiated a discounted membership rate of $200 per practice for ANCO practices to join MOASC. Please contact MPN Membership Services Manager Nikki Kaminski at (248) 302-7188 or nkaminski@moascpurchasing.com to obtain more information, schedule an appointment, or arrange an analysis of pharmaceutical costs for your individual practice and eventually transition your purchasing power to MPN and Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions.
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ASCO & ASH News
- Best of ASCO Los Angeles, August 16-17. At each of 2013 Best of ASCO® Meetings, you can expect an engaging agenda featuring high-level scientific and/or clinical abstracts as well as educational sessions led by world-class faculty. Interact with oncology experts, network with colleagues, and earn CME credit.
-Explore the latest advances in clinical hematology in an interactive environment. Attend the ASH 2013 State-of-the-Art Symposia (SAS) in Los Angeles, CA on October 11-12, 2013,to examine the newest approaches to hematology patient care. The meeting structure is designed to promote interaction and discussion between meeting attendees and speakers. Attendees will have an opportunity to seek advice on actual patient cases and practice challenges.
Register to attend SAS in Los Angeles.
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Industry News
- Don't miss your opportunity for increased revenue. Innovatix is offering MOASC and ANCO members access to the profitable administration of IVIG in the office through the Innovatix Contract Advantage Tool. Click here to view the Contract Advantage Tool.
DATA POINTS
Forty-three percent of surveyed physicians say they are using smartphones to reference drug data, while 39% say they are using smartphones to make clinical calculations and 31% say they are using smartphones to make prescribing decisions, according to a recent report by Kantar Media, a provider of media and marketing services.
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MOASC CALENDAR
LunchTime Series Teleconference
(June 26, 2013)
MOASC Oncology Billing Program
(October 4, 2013)
MOASC Sponsored ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course
(October 4-5, 2013)
ANCO CALENDAR | |
2Q2013 Professional Education Webcast (May 21, 2013)
ASCO Highlights (August 24, 2013)
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The Medical Oncology Association of Southern California(MOASC) is a leading oncology society that advances and protects the ability of cancer patients to obtain, and the ability of the oncology physicians to provide, optimal cancer care. The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) is an association of hematologists/oncologists dedicated to promoting high professional standards of cancer care by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, data, and knowledge. The material contained in the California Oncology Weekly is intended as general information for ANCO and MOASC members. Because diagnostic, treatment, contracting, coding, and billing decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, any such information contained in the California Oncology Weekly may not apply in any given situation. Members are encouraged to contact their own consultants or advisors to obtain specific advice on matters relating to contracting, coding, and billing. The information contained in California Oncology Weekly should not be used as a substitute for such advice. This publication provides a summary of regulations affecting oncology and its business practices. Reading this newsletter does not substitute for understanding regulations and verifying the validity of every claim. This information is time-sensitive and is subject to change. MOASC or ANCO accepts no liability for any statements or articles herein.CPT codes are owned and trademarked by the American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.
MOASC: P.O. Box 161, Upland, CA 91785 | P (909) 985-9061 | F (909) 985-8581 | www.moasc.org
ANCO: P.O. Box 151109, San Rafael, CA 94915 | P (415) 472-3960 | F (415) 472-3961 | www.anco-online.org |
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