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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.
September 6, 2016
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California News
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"... they are all gone!" These were the words of the California Cancer PAC lobbyist, regarding the California state legislator's completion of its business for the year. Meeting their August 31st deadline, they have all gone back to their districts to meet with their constituents, campaigning for some and vacation for most. Take the opportunity to invite your district senator and assemblyperson to your practice. The LA Times has put together a good high level summary of some of the major issues tackled during this two-year legislative cycle, which can be found here.
The Governor has until the end of September to consider 789 bills, according to his office. That number includes 391 bills that were on his desk as of Thursday afternoon and 398 more that are now on their way. Brown vetoed only 14 percent of bills last year, so most of the legislations that make it to his desk will get his signature and become law
- Known as the Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act, Proposition 52 extends a partnership between the state and its hospitals, currently set to expire in 2017, which brings more than $3 billion a year in federal funds to California to pay for Medi-Cal services. Since 2009, when it began, this program has brought more than $18 billion in federal matching funds to the state's Medi-Cal program. Without that partnership, California would leave that money unclaimed in Washington D.C. Proposition 52 underscores a long-term commitment to quality and reliable health care for California seniors, a significant segment of the state's population that is expected to nearly double by 2030.
- Forthcoming California Medical Association (CMA) webinars:
* CHPI Physician Quality Rating Program: Navigating the Review and Corrections Process (October 5). Go to www.cmanet.org/events for more information and to register.
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Noridian News
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MLN Connects Provider eNews
Announcements--ICD-10: Updated Questions and Answers; EHR Incentive Programs: Submit Comments on Proposed Rule by September 6; ICD-10 Assessment and Maintenance Toolkit; ASC Payment System-October 2016 Update CR9773; Coding Revisions to NCDs CR9751; HCPCS Codes for SNF CB-2017 Annual Update CR9735; Claims Status Category and Claim Status Codes Update CR9680; Ordering and Referring Providers
Claims, Pricers, and Codes--
Events--SNF Quality Reporting Program Webcast-September 14; SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program Call-September 28
Publications--Next Generation Accountable Care Organization-Implementation MLN Matters Article-New; Medicare and Medicaid Basics Booklet-New; PQRS Call: Audio Recording and Transcript-New; HIPAA Basics for Providers: Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules Fact Sheet-Revised
* Non Covered Services LCD-R13
* MLN Connects Provider eNews-August 18, 2016
* Mammography Services Reminder
* Next Generation Accountable Care Organization-Implementation SE1613
* MPFSDB-October 2016 October Update CR9749
* Understanding National & Local Coverage Determination Workshop-August 30, September 8
- Noridian/JEMAC will soon be deactivating billing privileges for physicians who received revalidation notices from Noridian but have not submitted completed applications to CMS. Noridian/JEMAC reports that only 19% of physicians have responded to the most recent revalidation process. To prevent deactivation, CMA recommends that practices look up their revalidation dates through the CMS look-up tool. If it shows that your practice missed the deadline, you should submit and sign your application online immediately. Visit https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jeb/article-detail/-/view/10546/provider-enrollment-revalidation-cycle-2 for more information.
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- In 2017, Medicare will use patient satisfaction scores to determine up to a quarter of the potential 2% penalty-or reward-in its value-based purchasing program. You will have through September 30th, to take advantage of the opportunity MOASC and ANCO has offered your practice to assess your organization's performance in key areas associated with the ACO, PQRS and CAPHS Surveys.In 2001 the Institute of Medicine reported on the need to close the gaping "quality chasm" in U.S. healthcare. The report stressed the importance of delivering patient-centered care. From 2001 to 2016, studies have repeatedly shown that a positive patient perception of their experience inside the healthcare system is closely associated with higher quality care, greater safety and better outcomes. Yet caregivers often learn about patient complaints far too late to affect those perceptions, and that can be costly. With MACRA looming, every healthcare provider must lift its patient satisfaction ratings. A happy patient is usually a healthier one. Download more information and an enrollment form at www.anco-online.org/PtSurvey2016.pdf.
- Mark your calendars, and save the date, for MOASC's Fall Clinical Staff, Billing and Administrator Programs, November 9 and 10, 2016 at Embassy Suites Anaheim-Orange 400 N. State College Blvd., Orange. The Clinical Staff Track & Billing Staff Track will be held on Wednesday, November 9th from 8am - 2pm. The Administrator's Program will be on Thursday, November 10th from 8am - 2pm.
- The MOASC Office is in receipt of questions regarding the Anthem/WellPoint Pathways Program. Below is a brief survey regarding your participation. Please reply to [email protected] with your answers by close of business on Friday, September 9th.
Anthem/WellPoint Pathways Program Survey:
1. Do you participate in the Anthem/WellPoint Pathway Program?
2. If so, which pathway do you utilize, i.e., Breast or Colon or Lung? Two of them? All three?
3. Is the online portal user friendly?
4. Has processing the patient been more efficient? (cost decreased and/or reimbursement increased due to no "prior authorization" requirement, flat fee payment covers your costs)
5. Any other comments?
Thank you for your attention to this request!
- Thank you to those who have responded to the MOASC & ANCO 2016 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. Gift cards will be placed in the mail on October 1, 2016. Please contact MOASC if you have any questions at [email protected]
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- ANCO is organizing a series of Hematological Malignancies Updates in 2016. The second Update will take place on September 17 at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento with Bruno Medeiros, MD, Stanford University, Aaron Rosenberg, MD, University of California, Davis, and Rajeev Krishnan, MD, University of California, Davis. The latest research on novel treatment modalities for acute and chronic leukemias and myeloma along with case studies for these diagnoses will be presented. The program begins at 8:30AM with breakfast. These meetings are supported by Janssen Biotech, Seattle Genetics, and Takeda Oncology. Space is limited to the first 50 physician or nurse registrants only. A meeting announcement was mailed in mid-August. To register for this meeting, please send your name, affiliation, and e-mail address to [email protected] (Subject: 3Q2016 Clinical Meeting) or download and FAX the registration form at www.anco-online.org/3Q2016HemeMalig.pdf.
- ANCO is pleased to announce the 17th Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach on March 17-19, 2017 at The Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa. Sign up for more information at www.multicancers.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.
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- The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act and Employee Polygraph Protection Act notices have changed.There were updates to mandatory labor law posting requirements that affect businesses. In order to stay in compliance with these recentchanges, the updated postings must be downloaded, printed, and then posted next to your current labor law poster. Fair Labor Standards Act (Federal Minimum Wage): The United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has updated the Fair Labor Standards Act notice. A new section regarding reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees has been added. In the Additional Information section of the notice, it now states that employers must properly identify the difference between independent contractors and employees who may be protected under the FLSA because correctly classified independent contractors are not protected under the FLSA's pay protections. Additionally within the same section, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has been added as a territory with applied special provisions. Lastly, penalties for violations against the Fair Labor Standards Act have been removed. The updated notice now has a new web address for the department and a new revision date of 07/16. DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH Family Medical Leave Act:The United States Wage and Hour Division has updated the Family Medical Leave Act. The revised notice has a new format and summarizes information from the previous February 2013 version. Content regarding the definition of what a serious health condition is has been removed along with the notice's posting requirements. In addition, the Wage and Hour Division has stated that, "The February 2013 version of the FMLA poster is still good and can be used to fulfill the posting requirement." The notice's new revision date is April 2016.DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH Employee Polygraph Protection Act:The United States Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has updated the Employee Polygraph Protection Act notice. The notice now states that this act does not preempt any provision of any State, local law, or bargaining agreement which is more restrictive to lie detector tests. Lastly, a new web address and revision date of 07/16 have been added. DOWNLOAD IN ENGLISH - The comment deadline on a controversial proposal to stop paying off-campus facilities the same as hospital-based outpatient units ends this week. The American Hospital Association says the proposal in its current form could make providers vulnerable to violating anti-kickback laws. The new policy is supposed to take effect on Jan. 1, 2017. The proposed rule would classify off-campus provider-based departments that opened or changed service lines or locations in the past 10 months as physician-owned clinics. However, hospitals would remain responsible for all operational costs, such as staff, equipment and facility maintenance, even though Medicare reimbursements would go to the treating independent provider. The arrangement may put hospitals at legal risk under the Stark law. If adopted, these 'site-neutral' payment rules would force some hospitals into new financial arrangements with referring physicians that may present substantial compliance risk. - Visit the TRICARE Media Center for the following, and previous, podcasts at www.tricare.mil/podcast. This week's podcasts: Benefits After Age 65, Prostate Cancer Healthy Aging Week. - UnitedHealthcare's Network Bulletin (September 2016) is now available online at http://unitedhealthcareonline.com > Tools & Resources > News & Network Bulletin and features articles entitled Communication Effectiveness Survey, Termination of the ICD-10 Code Look-up Tool, and Changes in Advance Notification and Prior Authorization Requirements.
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Affiliate Association News
- ANCO and MOASC encourage all members to participate in ASCO's Practice Census, the only annual survey of the entire oncology community that aims to capture and describe changes in cancer care and oncology practice over time. Be counted by going to https://apps.asco.org/oncology-practice-central/survey/#/ . - Applications for ASCO's Leadership Development Program are now open and must be received by September 23. To learn more about the Program, please visit www.asco.org/leadership. - ACCC has launched a free, multimedia, online learning portal at www.accc-cancer.org/elearning that provides two-way, engaging education on operational, administrative, and clinical topics. - The 6th edition of the ASH Self-Assessment Program (ASH-SAP) contains 23 pertinent peer-reviewed chapters, covering the full spectrum of adult and pediatric hematology. Order your copy or learn more at www.hematology.org/BuyASHSAP6. - The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has launched the Advance Practice Provider Network (CAPP Network) to support advanced practice providers (NPs, PAs, etc.). To join the CAPP Network, visit www.communityoncology.org/capp. - COA has launched a peer-to-peer support network for practices participating in the CMS Oncology Care Model (OCM). The COA OCM support network was created at the request of OCM practices, and nearly 200 individuals from more than 112 cancer care teams have already joined. It is free of charge for all OCM practices to join, completely noncommercial, and practices to no have to be members of COA to participate. The COA OCM support network is focused on helping practices succeed. It is enabling ongoing, private, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing to ease the challenges practices face; hosting monthly calls for participants; developing free tools and resources to help practices deal with IT and other implementation issues; and, working as a unified voice for practices engaged in this effort. If you are interested in joining the support network, e-mail [email protected] - Join expert faculty for, "When First-Line Treatment Fails: Navigating New Treatment Paradigms in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma,"Tuesday, September 20 at The Huntley Hotel, Santa Monica. Lead by Jonathan L. Kaufman, MD, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, and Jatin J. Shah, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, this CE accredited for physicians, nurses and pharmacists, complimentary program, will discuss recent advances in the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and how to navigate current agents to find the right option for your patients. The full details of the program can be found here. This program is supported by educational grants from Amgen Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Takeda Oncology. - Oncology Education, alongside EOCI, will be hosting Immuno-Oncology Update that will be held September 23-24, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario. This year's program will cover a variety of important topics examining advances in immuno-oncology and also explore topics that pertain to clinical practice, adverse event management and the pharmacoeconomics of novel therapies. Immuno-Oncology Update+ will draw from among experts in immuno-oncology from across North America. For more information please click here. - At the MGMA 2016 Annual Conference, Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 in San Francisco, you'll find the best practices, proven strategies and lasting support you need to grow professionally; see and capitalize on opportunities; and, ultimately, lead your practice to even greater success. Click here for the full schedule and session details. - Join Dr Neil Love and his education group, Research To Practice, at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel (1700 Ocean Avenue) on Saturday, November 12, 2016, for another installment of the Year in Review multi-tumor oncology CME program. The daylong event (from 8:00am - 4:00pm) we will be joined by an exceptional faculty panel that will review many of the year's most important new data sets and conference presentations in several distinct areas of oncology: breast cancer, lung cancer, genitourinary cancers, select gastrointestinal cancers, melanoma, multiple myeloma and Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For more information or to register and secure hotel accommodation, visit: http://www.researchtopractice.com/Meetings/YIR2016/CA - NCCN has published updates to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines�) and the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium�) for: bone cancer (V1.2017), central nervous system cancers-gliomas (V1.2016), gastric cancers (V3.2016), myelodysplastic syndromes (V1.2017), ovarian cancer (V1.2016), penile cancer (V2.2016), and small cell lung cancer (chemotherapy order templates). Please visit NCCN.org.
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- Abbvie will host a clinical discussion entitled Venclexta for Treatment of Previously Treated CLL with 17p Deletion with Herbert Eradat, MD, UCLA, on September 14 in San Francisco. Please RSVP by September 9 to Greg Bennett at (760) 625-2449 or go to abbvie.meintl.com/OHD08-OB03-16.
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MOASC CALENDAR
LunchTime Series Teleconference/Webinar
October 26th
Oncology Roundtable Teleconference September 28th November 30th
ASCO State Affiliate
Meeting in Virginia, VA
October 26th - 28th
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Hematological Malignancies Updates (November 12; Palo Alto)
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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) 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 |
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