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.
 
 
May 31, 2016


California News

- The California Medical Association (CMA) will host a webinar on The End of Life Option Act on June 1. The Act goes into effect on June 9. Go to www.cmanet.org/events/detail/?event=the-california-end-of-life-option-act-an for more information and to register.The new law will let terminally ill patients end their lives by taking a physician-prescribed lethal dose of medication, a new policy brief from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows that health organizations, health care providers and the public have a critical gap in understanding how the law will work. Though the End of Life Option Act, which applies only to adults who are terminally ill and have fewer than six months to live, takes effect June 9, the study indicates that California health organizations lack vital information about aid in dying (AID) that could help doctors effectively and comfortably implement the new law. Families also lack information on end-of-life care or how to help loved ones who are considering end-of-life options. Read the policy brief: Implementing Aid in Dying in California: Experiences from Other States Indicate the Need for Strong Implementation Guidance.
 
- MOASC has included its signature, with more than 50 other organizations and physicians associations, to defeat the initiative titled the California Drug Price Relief Act. This measure will cap the costs of prescription drugs, and is among the state's 19 measures up for a vote this November that are attracting record spending by opponents and advocates. Calling it the "wrong prescription," the California Medical Association (CMA), representing more than 41,000 physicians, formally announced it was opposed to the Misleading Rx Measure slated for California's November 2016 statewide ballot.



Noridian News

- TODAY!!!!!! Noridian/JEMAC will begin deactivations for failure to revalidate on May 31. If you received revalidation notice, and a complete application is not received by the due date of May 31, then your Medicare billing privileges will be deactivated. If you do not now if you received notice, you can look up your revalidation date through the CMS look-up tool at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and Certification/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Revalidations.html.
Those due for revalidation in the near future will display a revalidation due date; all other providers will see TBD in the due date field. If you are deactivated for failure to respond to a revalidation notice, you must submit a reactivation application and no payment will be made for the period of deactivation. If you have questions about the revalidation process, visit
https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jeb/article-detail/-/view/10546/provider-enrollment-revalidation-cycle-2 or call Noridian/JEMAC at (855) 609-9960.
 
- Noridian/JEMAC has posted the following updates to its website (http://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jeb):
* MLN Connects Provider eNews:
Announcements--SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program: Specifications for New Measure; New Quality Payment Program Webpages; 2016 PQRS GPRO Registration Open through June 30
Claims, Pricers, and Codes--
Events--Physician Compare Initiative Call-Registration Now Open
Publications and Videos--
* Serum Magnesium Draft LCD Published for Review and Comments
* Chemotherapy Administration-R1
* Vitamin D Assay Testing Draft LCD Published for Review and Comments
* Non-Covered Serivces-R9
* Controlled Substance Monitoring and Drugs of Abuse-Effective June 28, 2016
* MolDX: CDD: Premark Risk Score Draft LCD Published for Review and Comments
* Bladder Tumor Markers Draft LCD Published for Review and Comments
* Coding Revisions to DCDs CR9540
* Noridian Medicare Portal-Dual Role Access
* Redeterminations and Reconsiderations of Certain Claims-Limiting the Scope of Review-Revised SE1521
* HCPCS Drug/Biological Code Changes-July 2016 Quarterly Update CR9639
* Stem Cell Transplantation for Multiple Myeloma, Myelofibrosis, and Sickle Cell Disease, and Myelodysplastic Syndromes CR9620
* MolDX: Breast Cancer Biomarkers to Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy Draft LCD Published for Review and Comments
* MolDX: Breast Cancer Biomarkers to Guide Adjuvant Chemotherapy Draft LCD Retired-Effective May 20
* MolDX-CDD: Genomic Health Oncotype DX Prostate Cancer Assay Final LCD-Effective July 5
* Evaluate Our Services in 10 Minutes
* CERT Deadline for Initial Documentation
* MolDX: NRAS Genetic Testing Final LCD-Effective July 5
* IUD (Hormone-Eluting) for Endometrial Hyperplasia-CPT58999-Revised
* MolDX: Molecular RBC Phenotyping-R1
* MPFSDB-July 2016 Quarterly Update CR9633
* Claim Status Category and Claim Status Codes Update CR9550
* Open Public Meeting (June 2)
* CERT and MR Reviews Workshop (June 2)
* Ordered, Referred and Prescribed Services Workshop (June 16)
 

 
 MOASC News

 

- Join MOASC's LunchTime Series presentation on June 1 at 12:00pm regarding the Medi-Cal EHR Incentive Program. Elison Alcovendaz, External Relations Manager, Office of Health Information Technology California Department of Health Care Services, will present. Contact the MOASC Office [email protected] for more information.

 
- Your yearly membership is expiring soon.
Please, support the association that works for you by renewing your membership NOW
There are two ways you can join:
To pay by check:
Fill out the enclosed Membership Application.
Make check payable to:
Medical Oncology Association of Southern California
Mail to:
P.O. Box 161, Upland, CA 91785
To pay by credit card:
You can click the button below and pay online via PayPal
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MOASC Office at [email protected] or 909-985-9061 ext. 1.
 
- MOASC and ANCO have partnered with SullivanLuallin Group to offer your practice the opportunity to participate in an Oncology-based Patient Satisfaction Survey. The Survey is designed to assess your organization's performance in key areas associated with the ACO and PQRS CAPHS Surveys. SullivanLuallin Group's eSurv: Online Patient Satisfaction Survey platform allows you to efficiently and cost-effectively capture how your patients feel about your systems, services, and performance. Download more information and an enrollment form at www.anco-online.org/PtSurvey2016.pdf.
 
- In 2016, MOASC has joined ANCO in conducting a staff salary survey. The purpose of the staff salary survey is to update data relevant to practice expenses in California. This year's survey questionnaire and past survey results can be found at www.anco-online.org/salsrvy.html. The survey was adopted from The Health Care Group and updated by studying other salary surveys. Please complete the survey and return it to the MOASC office at your earliest convenience but no later than September 30, 2016. Respondents will be provided with a $50 Visa gift card. Please contact MOASC if you have any questions or concerns at [email protected]
 
MOASC Job Board:
Wanted: ONCOLOGY NURSE
We are a busy Oncology/Hematology, two clinician, medical practice with IV Treatment Suite, in Laguna Niguel. OTN Nucleus drug management system/Allscripts EHR are a plus.
Chemotherapy mixing/administration experience with strong IV skills required.
Elaine Ann Daly, Manager, Wagneroncology.com, (949) 499-4540
Wanted: NURSE PRACTITIONER
Busy oncology practice in La Jolla, California google map is looking for a compassionate Nurse Practitioner to work in a fast paced office setting. Must have good IV skills. Excellent communication and organization skills, along with being proficient in electronic medical records. We offer competitive salary and benefits. Oncology background is preferred, but we will work with a motivated individual. If you are interested, please contact Joan Robinson [email protected].

 
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ANCO News
 
- ANCO hosted a webinar entitled California's End of Life Option Act: An Overview of the Legislation, Implementation, and Discussions with Patients on Wednesday, May 25. Lael C. Duncan, M.D., Medical Director, Consulting Services, Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, described the End of Life Option Act, described the demographics of patients in states where similar legislation has been in place, listed California's requirements for patient eligibility, described the forms and documentation necessary for patient participation, described the ethical considerations underlying actions providers and healthcare workers may take with respect to the law, and listed important factors to consider when patients request information on the End of Life Option Act. A recording, the webinar slides, and additional resources area available at www.anco-online.org.

- ANCO and MOASC have partnered with SullivanLuallin Group to offer your practice the opportunity to participate in an Oncology-based Patient Satisfaction Survey. The Survey is designed to assess your organization's performance in key areas associated with the ACO and PQRS CAPHS Surveys. SullivanLuallin Group's eSurv: Online Patient Satisfaction Survey platform allows you to efficiently and cost-effectively capture how your patients feel about your systems, services, and performance. Download more information and an enrollment form at www.anco-online.org/PtSurvey2016.pdf.

- ANCO and MOASC have partnered to conduct a 2016 Staff Salary Survey. The purpose of the Staff Salary Survey is to update data relevant to practice expenses in California. Past ANCO Staff Salary Survey results are reported at www.anco-online.org/salsrvy.html. The 2016 Staff Salary Survey was distributed to members the week of May 16 and is available online at www.anco-online.org/SalarySurvey2016.pdf. Completed Surveys are due no later than September 30 and respondents will be provided with a $50 Visa gift card. Results will be analyzed and reported during 4Q2016.



National News  

- ASCO testified before two Congressional committees recently regarding MACRA and the CMS Part B Drug Reimbursement Experiment. In a statement submitted to the House Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Health, ASCO provided thoughts on CMS's proposed MACRA rule. Read ASCO's statement at www.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/2016-statement-WM-MACRA-Hearing.pdf. In a statement submitted to the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health, ASCO voiced it strong opposition to the proposed Medicare Part B Drug Reimbursement Experiment calling it ill-conceived and lacking a patient-centered focus. ASCO said that CMS's proposal was an experiment on patients without safeguards, would increase "underwater" drugs, and would increase a problematic shift in the site of service. ASCO's full testimony is available at www.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/2016-Patt-Testimony.pdf. Finally, ASCO supports HR5122, legislation that would halt CMS from implementing the experiment and helps to keep the pressure on the Administration to withdraw or substantially change the experiment, and urges the House to pass it in a timely manner. Please ask your Representatives to co-sponsor HR5122 today by visiting http://cqrcengage.com/asco/app/onestep-write-a-letter?0&engagementId=201953.
 
- The federal Department of Labor (DOL) has finalized major changes to the overtime regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for the first time in 10 years. In this slideshow, BLR Legal Editor Susan Prince, JD, MSL, provides employers with what they need to know about the final overtime regulations.
 
- By, TOMORROW, June 1, 2016, employers, distributors, chemical manufacturers and importers have to comply with OSHA's updated HazCom/GHS rule changes.
Now's the time to prepare - get compliance details and stock up on essential solutions:
 
- National Cancer Survivors Day� 2016 will be held this Sunday, June 5. National Cancer Survivors Day� is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life that is held in hundreds of communities nationwide, and around the world, on the first Sunday in June. It is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community. On National Cancer Survivors Day�, thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding, and even inspiring. It is a day for everyone, whether you're a cancer survivor, a family member, friend, or medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer - including America's more than 14.5 million cancer survivors - to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also a day to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer survivorship in order to promote more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation to improve cancer survivors' quality. [email protected]



CMS News
 
- Starting July 1, CMS will require MACs to enforce the following rules for modifier -JW :
* modifier JW is required to identify unused drugs or biologicals from single use vials or single use packages that are appropriately discarded.
* the only exception to this requirement is when the J-code unit is larger than the drug plus the waste.
* documentation in the record must reflect the drug given PLUS the amount of drug wasted.
* every effort must be made to use drugs "in such a way that they can use drugs or biologicals most efficiently, in a clinically appropriate manner."
* this guidance does not apply to multi-dose vials
Starting July 1 (implementation on July 5), -JW will be mandatory for all Medicare intermediaries and will be used as follows from the transmittal:



Affiliate Association News  
 
- ASCO's Quality Training Program is currently accepting applications through June 15. The program is designed to train oncology health care providers to investigate and implement data-driven quality improvement and manage clinical and non-clinical processes and outcomes. For more information and to apply, go to www.instituteforquality.org/how-apply
 
- ASCO's QOPI Certification designation can be used by certified practices to demonstrate an advanced commitment to quality and certified practices are eligible to receive a discount of up to 10% on medical malpractice rates from The Doctors Company, the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer. Go to www.instituteforquality.org/qopi-qcp for more information.
 
- Reserve your hotel room for the 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting. For preliminary program information, or to prepare with the new Insider's Guide to Annual Meeting, visit, am.asco.org. If you no longer plan to attend the Meeting, please cancel your reservation here or email [email protected] to avoid the cancellation fee. The cancellation fee is equal to 100% of your total stay if you cancel your reservation less than 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date. For additional information, please contact the ASCO Annual Meeting Customer Service Center. Registration Email: [email protected]. Hotel Reservations Email: [email protected]
 
- ASCO's Research Community Forum (formerly the Community Research Forum) is expanding to have a greater impact on research sites from all types of research settings. The Forum is inviting researchers and staff from all types of sites to participate in this unique venue with the aim to advance cancer research and support research program management. The Forum's annual meeting takes place at ASCO on September 25-26. Please visit www.asco.org/research-community-forum to learn more.
 
- ASCO has released a guideline entitled Endocrine Therapy for Hormone Receptor-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer. For more information and resources, please visit http://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/quality-guidelines/guidelines/breast-cancer.
 
- Apply evidence-based therapies used by experts today to improve your patient care tomorrow. Attend the 2016 ASH Meeting on Hematologic Malignancies , September 16-17, 2016 in Chicago, and get an opportunity to hear world-renowned experts summarize the most recent studies affecting hematologic diseases, the findings that are relevant to the field today, and the new developments that can help build a new approach to your patient-care strategies. Use a special early-bird registration rate to register today!
 
- The abstract submission site for the ASH Meeting on Hematologic Malignancies (MHM) is now open. ASH encourages researchers of all levels to submit original papers to be considered for poster and/or oral presentation. You may submit your abstract to one of the following abstract review categories:
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myeloma
Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Submit your abstract today for the opportunity to present your findings to colleagues and experts in Chicago.
 


Industry News  

- Eisai informs ANCO and MOASC that the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved Lenvima, in combination with everolimus, for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) who were previously treated with an anti-angiogenic therapy.
 
- Seattle Genetics is hosting a webcast entitled Optimal Clinical Strategies for the Treatment of Relapsed Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Craig Moskowitz, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, on June 14 at 10AM PT. For more information, e-mail OptumHealth Education at [email protected].
 
- Teva Oncology informs ANCO and MOASC that CMS has made a preliminary decision assign J-Code J9033 to Bendeka and many payers have updated their systems to reflect the change from J9999.

 
 


In This Issue
  1.  
 
 MOASC CALENDAR
 
LunchTime Series Teleconference/Webinar 

June 1st
August 31st
October 26th

Oncology Roundtable Teleconference 
 
July 27th 
September 28th  
November 30th 

 
ASCO National Meeting
in Chicago, II
June 3rd - June 6th

ASCO State Affiliate
Meeting in Virginia, VA

October 26th - 28th
  



 
 
ANCO  
CALENDAR
 

ANCO's 2016 Professional Education Meeting
(August 3; Oakland)
 
 
ANCO's ASCO Highlights 2016
(August 27, Oakland)

Hematological Malignancies Updates
(September 17; Sacramento)
 
 
Hematological Malignancies Updates (November 12; Palo Alto)
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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) 804-5006| www.moasc.org

ANCO: P.O. Box 151109, San Rafael, CA 94915 |  P (415) 472-3960 | F (415) 472-3961 | www.anco-online.org