California Oncology Weekly
"Where California Oncologists Go For Answers!"
A publication of the
Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Inc.
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This
Weekly
's Hot Topics
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- WEDNESDAY! "Telemedicine in the COVID-19 Era" webinar MOASC News
- CMA webinars TODAY & TOMORROW on the COVID-19 crisis. California News
- CARES Act passed by Congress National News
- Preparing Your Oncology Clinic for COVID-19 Infections Affiliate Association News
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Governor Newsom issued an executive order for all Californians to stay at home. The order states that individuals working in "Critical Infrastructure Sectors" as defined by the federal government may continue work. Further, all dine-in restaurants, bars, nightclubs, entertainment venues, gyms and fitness studios, public events and gatherings, and convention centers shall be closed.
The following services will remain open:
Gas stations
Pharmacies
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, takeout and delivery restaurants
Banks
Laundromat/laundry service
Yes, you may leave your home for limited reasons like exercise or to purchase essential supplies or if you work in one of these sectors or as a part of Critical Infrastructure. But largely, please stay home.
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State resources are available for employees and businesses impacted by COVID-19:
It is vital that everyone follow the directives of our public health agencies in order to protect our families, friends and neighbors. When everybody takes the proper action, resources will be available to those who need it. We will slow the virus, and together, we will overcome this hardship.
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CMA continues to host free webinars on key issues facing physicians amid the COVID-19 crisis. Past sessions focused on Employment and Practice Staffing Issues at physician practices. The next two webinars are a discussion on Implementing Telehealth in Your Practice TODAY, Monday, March 30, followed by a rundown of Financial Assistance Available to Practices TOMORROW, March 31. You can find information about upcoming webinars and archived past CMA webinars here.
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Recent Announcements Published to "Latest Updates" of Medicare Jurisdiction E Part B.
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Instructions and the form for Noridian's COVID-19: Accelerated and Advance Payment process may be found on Noridian's website at med.noridianmedicare.com/. Special considerations will be given for COVID-19 circumstances. COVID-19 Telephone Hotline: The telephone hotline 1-866-575-4067 has been created to address accelerated payment questions as a result of the COVID-19 response. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. Pacific-time.
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Provider Enrollment Relief Related to COVID-19.
In order to support our provider community, we are establishing a Provider Enrollment hotline to help with emergency provider enrollment into Medicare. This is intended for providers or organizations that are in emergency situations that need to be enrolled quickly due to the Coronavirus.
Read the complete update
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Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Revised SE20011.
The Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services declared a public health emergency (PHE) in the entire United States on January 31, 2020.
Read the complete update
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Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage Webinar - April 23, 2020.
This event includes: Advanced Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN) Overview, ABN Completion, ABN Tips, Noteworthy Information, and Resources
Read the complete update
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New Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) Get It, Use It - Revised SE18006
Use MBIs for all Medicare transactions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) replaced the Social Security Number (SSN)-based Health Insurance Claim Numbers (HICNs) with the MBI and mailed new Medicare cards to all Medicare beneficiaries.
Read the complete update
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Portal, IVR and Customer Service Limited Availability - April 3-5, 2020.
There will be Common Working File (CWF) "Dark" days on Friday, April 3 through Sunday, April 5, 2020 for all CWF hosts.
Read the complete update
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ASP Medicare Part B Drug Pricing Files and Revisions to Prior Quarterly Pricing Files - April 2020 CR11701.
CR 11701 informs MACs about new and revised Average Sales Price (ASP) and ASP Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) drug pricing files for Medicare Part B drugs.
Read the complete update
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MolDX: Decipher Biopsy Prostate Cancer Classifier Assay for Men with Intermediate Risk Disease Final LCD - Effective May 04, 2020
This Local Coverage Determination (LCD) has completed the Open Public Meeting and Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) comment period and is now finalized under contractor numbers: 01112 (NCA), 01182 (SCA), 01212 (AS, GU, HI, NMI), and 01312 (NV). Responses to comments received may be found as a link at the bottom of the final LCD.
Read the complete update
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Quarterly Medicare Updates - A/B Webinar - April 7, 2020
This event includes: CMS Updates, Noridian Updates, April 2020 Quarterly Provider Updates, Payment and Recurring Updates, Special Editions (SE), Resources, Educational Information
Read the complete update
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Quarterly Medicare Updates - A/B - After Hours Webinar - April 14, 2020
This event includes: CMS Updates, Noridian Updates, April 2020 Quarterly Provider Updates, Payment and Recurring Updates, Special Editions (SE), Resources, Educational Information
Read the complete update
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CLFS and Laboratory Services Subject to Reasonable Charge Payment - Quarterly Update CR11681.
CR 11681 informs MACs about the changes in the April 2020 quarterly update to the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS).
Read the complete update
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Reminder: There is Still Time to Evaluate Our Services
There is still time to share your opinions about the services we provide. Please complete the MAC Satisfaction Indicator (MSI) survey.
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This Wednesday! April 1, 2020, 12:30pm PDT,
MOASC LunchTime Series presents, "Telemedicine in the COVID-19 Era" webinar.
Bobbi Buell from onPoint Oncology will discuss: Dealing with COVID -19 and practice changes; How to bill for telehealth services; Explanation of virtual services; Medicare Telehealth visits; Virtual check-ins, and E-visits. There will be plenty of time left for your questions for Bobbi to answer. Space is limited. Register via email at
moasc@moasc.org.
- As the healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges and States move quickly to give healthcare providers the freedom to practice across state lines, opening the door to larger telehealth networks and improved access during the COVID-19 crisis, is more important than ever to make the most of clinical resources. Leveraging automated telehealth during a capacity crisis holds the key to drastically increasing clinical capacity and flattening the curve. Download Here
- The MOASC Oncology Summit Annual Symposium virtual presentations are available for viewing at www.oncologytube.com/moasc. The first presentation is "Multi-Modality Management of Melanoma in the era of Immunotherapy", presented by Dr. Omid Hamid, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, A Cedars-Sinai Affiliate.
- MOASC applauds all first responders, physicians, nurses, technicians and healthcare support staff on the frontlines caring for those in need of healthcare services. Thank you for all that you do every day to keep us, our families, our friends, and our communities healthy and safe. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, MOASC is here for you as
your
support. For status, questions or for coding advice, contact
moasc@moasc.org; go to www.moasc.org; continue to read the California Oncology Weekly, and subscribe to our social media sites.
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- The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) is monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is committed to providing the membership the best possible information with which to make clinical and personal well-being decisions. Information is provided about:
Webinars
The ANCO Office & ANCO Activities
General Coronavirus Information
Cancer Patient and Clinical Oncology Resources
Telemedicine
Clinical Trials
Practice Management Resources
Personal & Family Well-Bering (for Adults, Parents, and Educational) Resources
We encourage member practices to let ANCO know of COVID-19 resources they are depending upon and found useful and how they are responding to COVID-19 and serving their patients and staff at director@anco.org (Use Subject: COVID-19: RESPONSE). Thanks!
- Applications now being accepted for ANCO's Travel Awards to Fellows and Young Clinicians to support attendance at the ASCO Annual Meeting, ASH Annual Meeting, or other national oncology meeting in 2020. The deadline for submission is March 31. Awards will be announced by April 30. Learn more at https://anco.org/membership/fellow-benefits/.
- 20th Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Case-based Approach taking place in Napa on June 19-21. For the more information on the impact of COVID-19 on this meeting go to www.multicancers.org/covid19.html.
- REGISTER for Hematologic Malignancies Updates, the first of three is taking place on Saturday, May 16 at the Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel.
- ANCO physician members, their practice staff, and representatives from ANCO's corporate members must register to access password-protected content (e.g., The ANCO Directory, ANCO meeting materials) on the ANCO website www.anco.org.
- Use ANCO's job board to post or search for employment opportunities at ANCO member practices.
- Follow ANCO on Twitter at @ANCO News.
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National News
- Healthcare providers in need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can request supplies by filling out a form on the
website of Project N95 - a new national clearinghouse for medical equipment. Medical equipment suppliers and government agencies can also visit the website to provide equipment and organize bulk purchase orders.
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The U.S. House of Representatives sent a massive COVID-19 economic relief package with billions of dollars for providers to the president's desk. READ MORE
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The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses. Small Business Owner CARES Act
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President Donald Trump is extending, to April 30, the voluntary national shutdown
as sickness and death from the coronavirus pandemic rise in the United States. The Associated Press
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HHS wants hospitals with in-house labs to report COVID-19 results daily, as in-house labs are not tracked the same as private labs.
The data is needed to get a complete picture of the COVID-10 outbreak.
Academic, University and Hospital "in-house" labs are performing thousands of COVID-19 tests each day, but unlike private laboratories, the full results are not shared with government agencies working to track and analyze the virus. By sharing this critical data, hospitals can help Federal and state government mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and direct needed resources from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Government during this unprecedented crisis.
Read More >
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A 16-patient study conducted in China showed around half of recovered patients with mild COVID-19 infections continued shedding the novel coronavirus for as long as eight days after their symptoms disappeared. These patients were treated and discharged after their recovery and confirmation of negative viral status. Healthcare Finance
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To ensure cost is not a barrier that prevents people from seeking treatment,
Cigna and Humana said they would waive member cost-sharing for COVID-19 care. More insurers are being added to this list of waived member cost-sharing.
The Hill
- The U.S. Justice Department sued Anthem for fraudulently collecting hundreds of millions of dollars from the Medicare program by exaggerating the illnesses of its members.
Read More >
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CMS News
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On March 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an expansion of its accelerated and advance payment program for Medicare participating health care providers and suppliers, to ensure they have the resources needed to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
This program expansion, which includes changes from the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is one way that CMS is working to lessen the financial hardships of providers facing extraordinary challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensures the nation's providers can focus on patient care. To qualify for accelerated or advance payments, the provider or supplier must:
Have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the provider's/ supplier's request form,
Not be in bankruptcy,
Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation, and
Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments.
- Due to COVID-19, the agency extended quality reporting deadlines for the MIPS, MSSP and other key value-based purchasing programs for hospitals and post-acute care. Full Story
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Affiliate Association News
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TOMORROW! March 31 at 10:00am PDT.
Preparing Your Oncology Clinic for COVID-19 Infections - Part 2, The Interactive Session
. A webinar to answer questions and provide updated information. Part 2 will help your oncology clinic prepare for COVID-19 infections, and we hope you will bring your experiences and best practices as part of our forum.
The COVID-19 Resource page is updated daily as COA receives new information and resources to help practices handle this national emergency. If you have any resources or news to share, please send them to
moasc@moasc.org.
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You should STILL register for the 2020 COA VIRTUAL Conference: Focusing On The Future Together, on April 23-24. COA will proceed with a virtual Conference, though the face-to-face conference in Orlando is cancelled. COA Conferences help community oncology physicians, pharmacy leaders and business representatives connect the dots across specialties, with a special focus on what is relevant for independent community oncology practices. When practices come together to discuss the important initiatives on a national stage, it drives progress in a way that is truly beneficial to patients. Learn more and register at
www.COAConferencing.org.
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ASH is accepting nominations through May 31 for the 2020 ASH Advocacy Leadership Institute taking place September 22-23, in Washington, DC.
This two-day workshop provides an opportunity for ASH members (who are U.S. citizens) with an interest in health policy and advocacy and a desire to become involved in ASH advocacy activities, to gain a better understanding of the Society and learn about legislation and health policy affecting hematology research and practice. Self-nominations are welcome, and individuals may nominate more than one colleague. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit the
ASH website.
- National Cancer Survivors Day® is Sunday, June 7, 2020. Get a jumpstart on planning your NCSD 2020 event by registering it (free of charge) with the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation at
ncsd.org/register. Visit their website at www.ncsd.org. To assist you, NCSD national supporter Coping with Cancer® magazine has put together a list of resources specifically for cancer survivors and caregivers. Follow this link to learn about Coronavirus and Cancer: A list of resources for cancer survivors.
- Cedars-Sinai 3rd Annual Gastrointestinal Tumor Conference is on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Concise and comprehensive updates on the most recent research and advances in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers, will be presented. A stellar faculty has been assembled to share developments in precision medicine, research, and immunotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of cancers of the pancreas, liver, and gastric/esophagus. For more information and to register go to:
cedars.cloud-cme.com/gicancercme
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NCCN has published updated guidelines at
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Industry News
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AstraZeneca's Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved in the US as a 1st-line treatment for adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
(ES-SCLC) in combination with standard-of-care (SoC) chemotherapies, etoposide plus either carboplatin or cisplatin (platinum-etoposide).
read corporate press release.
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MOASC CALENDAR
"Telemedicine in the COVID-19 Era"
April 1, 2020 at
12:30PDT
(Davis, New Dates:
March 11-12, 2021)
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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 material contained in the
California Oncology Weekly
is intended as general information for 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 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
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