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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- Links to most common COVID-19 resources. MOASC News
- Physician practices in receipt of direct-deposit funds from HHS. National News
- USP released new guidance on Beyond Use Dating & and disinfection when employees have tested positive for Covid-19. National News
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- Governor Newsom recently launched the California Health Corps, an initiative to expand California's health care workforce and recruit health care professionals to address the COVID-19 surge. Health care professionals with an active license, public health professionals, medical retirees, medical and nursing students, or members of medical disaster response teams in California are all encouraged to join. So far, 86,516 have signed up through healthcorps.ca.gov.
- The Governor announced, last week, that California would begin providing hotel vouchers to health care workers and to frontline providers to allow them to treat COVID-19 patients without risk of exposing their own families or loved ones. Starting April 10, California Health Corps workers will be able to make reservations through the Department of General Services (DGS) CalTravelStore. The state has already identified 150 hotels that have opted in to provide discounted rates, and more hotels are encouraged to sign up. Hotels interested
in participating in offering discounted rooms to health care workers may email
covid19lodging@dgs.ca.gov.
To read the full article go to
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/04/09/governor-newsom-announces-new-program-to-provide-front-line-health-care-workers-with-hotel-rooms/
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Though California's legislative leaders have extended the emergency recess until May 4, i
n light of the efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Legislative leadership announced that there will be oversight hearings to review how the Administration is spending the funds to address the Covid-19 response. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon stated they believe the Governor is "working diligently on the behalf of Californians" but they expect to fulfill the oversight role they "promised the people of California." They plan to hold hearings prior to their anticipated full return to the Capitol. The Senate has announced their new Covid-19 Subcommittee and set a hearing for this Thursday, 4/16 at 2pm. The bipartisan Committee will be chaired by Senate Budget Chair, Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). Pro Tem Atkins states, "California has never been in a better position to weather a recession and our state will likely experience one in the aftermath of Covid-19. Fortunately, we have the resources and the ability to scale up to respond to this current crisis. As legislative leadership we will identify gaps in services and resources for those sectors who employ and support government functions and people." You can watch on www.senate.ca.gov.
The Assembly has yet to release their plans.
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Recent Announcements Published to "Latest Updates" of Medicare Jurisdiction E Part B.
COVID-19:
Noridian has taken appropriate measure to ensure that we remain open and fully functional. The provider Contact Center is open and taking calls. Claims and redeterminations are being processed in the usual and timely manner. In order to provide the latest correct information to providers and beneficiaries, CMS has directed MACs to refer providers to the CMS Current Emergencies page. The information on the CMS website is updated frequently during this pandemic to provide you with the latest official CMS guidance.
Standard Written Order (SWO) for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) orders:
One of the biggest complaints about Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) orders was the number of forms needed for each order. With that in mind, the previously used Preliminary/Dispensing Order, Detailed Written Order, Five Element Order, Written Order Prior to Delivery, Seven Element Order, and Detailed Product description have all been replaced with one Standard Written Order, or SWO. For more details, please refer to the Local Coverage Article on the CMS website.
Provider Practice Address Location Requirements:
CMS has announced a delay in the activation of Systematic Validation Edits for OPPS Providers with Multiple Service Locations in a revised edition of MLN Matters SE19007. With the additional time granted to providers regarding these edits, please examine the way claims are being billed for off-campus, hospital outpatient department services.
The address being billed on claims for services provided in secondary locations must match exactly to the address of that location as listed in the PECOS enrollment file and must contain either the PO or PN modifier. For additional information on these requirements, please read the updated SE19007, or see the Provider-Based Billing Page on your Noridian Part A website.
Upcoming Education:
Please see Noridian's schedule of events webpage for upcoming trainings on Telehealth and COVID-19. JEA, JEB, JAF, and JFB
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New Accelerated/Advance Payment Request Form.
CMS has provided a standard form for requesting accelerated or advance payments.
Read the complete update
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Provider Enrollment Covid-19 Updates Webinars.
These events will include: Provider Enrollment Hotline, ASC converting to a Hospital, Isolation Facilities, Telehealth, Revalidations and much more
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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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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Noridian Medicare Portal (NMP) Self Service Reopenings Webinar - May 5, 2020.
This event includes: How to complete a reopening through the NMP, Resources and Reminders
Read the complete update
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Top Denial Code Inquiries and Solutions Webinar - May 13, 2020.
This event includes: Duplicate Claim Denials, Medical Unlikely Edit Denials, Medicare Secondary Payor Denials, Overlapping Claim Denials, MBI Denials, Resources
Read the complete update
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MOASC wants to assure their members and colleagues that if the need arises, MOASC Board, Officers & Staff are available to answer any questions you may have. Through this publication and e-mail notices, MOASC has provided COVID-19 related advice regarding telehealth, Cares Act funding, pension plan funding and the nuance of these programs in your practice. PLEASE SHARE YOUR CONCERNS AND ISSUES WITH US at moasc@moasc.org. We wish to help you in any way to get through these challenging times, as we surely will. After all, we are in this together.
Here are links to some useful COVID-19 resources:
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The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) is conducting a survey for Hematologists and Oncologists to learn how COVID-19 is impacting their practice. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey: https://forms.gle/5jPTGrGtVeSEujVf9
- The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) continues to monitor 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.
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!
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Applications period has been extended 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 May 3. Awards will be announced by May 3. Learn more at https://anco.org/membership/fellow-benefits/.
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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.
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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.
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Follow ANCO on Twitter at @ANCO News.
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National News
- Many physician practices are in receipt of funds that were deposited, by HHS, directly into their practice accounts this past weekend. These monies are distributions earmarked for providers from the CARES Act. HHS made the decision to distribute the first $30 billion of the $100 billion to hospitals and Part B providers who billed Medicare under Part B in 2019. COA Executive Director, Ted Okon, believes that, "... HHS is very concerned about the strains on all providers treating COVID-19. It is believed that HHS is concerned that the very foundation of our medical treatment system is in serious jeopardy..." This infusion is not "free" money, it is payment for services rendered. HHS has provided each recipient of funds with Term and Conditions under the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (the "Relief Fund") that was funded with the $100 billion under CARES. Those Terms and Conditions are here. Specifically, pay attention to the third bullet in the Terms and Conditions:
The Recipient certifies that the Payment will only be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, and shall reimburse the Recipient only for health care related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus.
At this time is it recommended that the funds received from HHS through the CARES Act, NOT BE SPENT at this time. Keep it in the bank, separate from working funds, until full disclosure is understood. Your national associations are not in the position to provide individual practices advice. Practices are recommended to communicate with their legal and accounting advisors. It is recommended that practices make sure to comply with the Relief Fund Terms and Conditions, keeping in mind the extraordinary nature of the situation we are in and the reason why HHS deposited these funds unannounced, rather than having providers apply for them. More guidance is expected this week and throughout the next few weeks. It IS advised, however, that the attestation of receipt of the funds be submitted to HHS within the next 30 days, however, the portal is not yet open at the time of publication of this periodical.
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The United States Pharmacopeial (USP) released guidance last Friday, April 11, 2020. This document provides risk- based enforcement direction but more importantly provides some new guidance on Beyond Use Dating and how to clean and disinfect the sterile compounding environment in the event a staff member(s) that works in the Clean Room environment tests positive for Covid-19. Click here to read their guidance.
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Employed full or part time? Unemployed? A temporary or gig worker? Retired or disabled? Receive public benefits? Have no income? Most U.S. residents - under certain income levels - will receive the Economic Impact Payment if they are not claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer and have a Social Security number.
Here's how much the payments will be:
Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,200.
Eligible married couples will receive up to $2,400.
Eligible individuals will receive up to $500 for each qualifying child.
Taxpayers will receive a reduced payment if their adjusted gross income is between:
$75,000 and $99,000 if their filing status was single or married filing separately
$112,500 and $136,500 for head of household
$150,000 and $198,000 if their filing status was married filing jointly
Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an Economic Impact Payment.
Payments will also be automatic for people who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits or Railroad Retirement benefits who don't normally file a tax return. Those receiving these benefits who aren't claimed as a dependent on someone else's return or required to file a tax return are eligible for a $1,200 payment. However, people in this group who have qualifying children under age 17 will need to provide information using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool to claim the $500 payment per child.
The IRS encourages people to share this information with family and friends. Some people who normally don't file a tax return may not realize they're eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. For additional and updated information, visit the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov.
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Nearly all medical practices have seen their finances negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new survey finds significant layoffs and furloughs across the country as practices report a 55% decrease in revenue on average and a 60% decrease in patient volume since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Know what the effects COVID-19 has on your pension plan through the CARES Act funding relief for single-employer defined benefit plans.
This article focuses on the CARES Act provision allowing deferment to January 1, 2021, of required defined benefit contributions due in the 2020 calendar year.
Read more >
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While the regulatory easing will provide some relief to providers grappling with staffing shortages amid the unprecedented pandemic, states will need to craft a more permanent solution. Read More >
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Are you experiencing cabin fever? If so, you're not alone. Sudden lifestyle changes and extended time at home is a reality for many during the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing, while necessary for slowing the spread of coronavirus, can be challenging, especially for those already dealing with anxiety. But approaching social distancing in a strategic way can not only help you cope in the moment but be good for your overall mental health as well. To learn more, read the article.
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CMS News
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CMS released a video providing answers to common questions about the Medicare telehealth services benefit. CMS is expanding this benefit on a temporary and emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.
Video
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Affiliate Association News
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You must 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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COA has found some organizations that are making various PPE donations for those in critical need. Certain supplies may be available for donation in coming weeks. This link was created to assist in identifying PPE needs and to facilitate the distribution if, or when PPE these resources become available. Apply Here. Please note, application is not a guarantee of fulfillment.
- Join Physicians' Education Resource
®, LLC
, to their
11th Annual
International Symposium on Ovarian Cancer and Other Gynecologic Malignancies®
a 1-day, educational and scientific LIVE-WEBCAST on May 2, 2020 the meeting will focus on key clinical topics in the management of ovarian cancer, as well as endometrial, uterine, and cervical malignancies.
For more information and to register go to
gotoper.com/go/IOG20A
- 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.
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Industry News
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AstraZeneca
invites you to their
IMFINZI
ES-SCLC National Broadcast
that will held on April 21, 2020, with two separate times: 7:30pm ET (6:30pm CT, 5:30pm MT, 4:30pm PT) and 9:30pm ET (8:30pm CT, 7:30pm MT, 6:30pm PT). The speaker is Dr. Mark Socinski, from AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Orlando, FL. To view the invitation click
here
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- Exact Sciences Corporation wishes to address decisions to postpone both screening and diagnostic oncology services as well as elective surgery. Oncotype DX® tests remain readily available and their laboratory continues to operate. They have had communication from multiple oncologists and breast surgeons inquiring as to Exact Sciences' ability to perform an Oncotype DX test on a core biopsy of the breast cancer in lieu of the final resection specimen. The purpose of this communication is to assure physicians that Exact Scienceshas extensive experience in the testing of core biopsy specimens of breast cancer, with core samples representing 14% of their commercial test volume and testing success rate over 98%. If your patient has a core biopsy revealing an HR+, HER2- invasive breast cancer, and you want to obtain a Recurrence Score® result on the core either for the purpose of facilitating a more rapid definitive surgery, or offering either neoadjuvant endocrine therapy or chemotherapy while awaiting that surgery, Exact Sciencesis able to perform that service for you. If you have any questions about the testing of a core biopsy specimen or general questions on Oncotype DX tests, you can continue to reach out to your local representative or medical science liaison (MSL) or call Customer Service at 866-ONCOTYPE (866-662-6897). Thank you for your ongoing care of cancer patients during this pandemic. Sincerely, Christy A Russell, MD,Senior Director of Medical Affairs, Precision Oncology and Rick Baehner, MD,Chief Medical Officer, Precision Oncology
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Pfizer Inc.
announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BRAFTOVI®(encorafenib) in a combination with Cetuximab (marketed as ERBITUX) for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy. For more information click
here
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Attention Clinical Staff!
PUMA Biotechnology
cordially invites you to their webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 5:30pm PDT, Anne O'Dea, M.D.
will present, "Protecting Patiens with NERLYNX, the only HER2-directed small molecule approved by the FDA in both eBC & mBC.
This is not an independent educational program. No CME credits will be provided. Please RSVP to
www.moasc@moasc.org or call 909-985-9061 x1.
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MOASC CALENDAR
(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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