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
.
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- TOMORROW! Attend CAPP reception with Assembly Member Horvath.California News
- TOMORROW! USP Chapters 797 & 800 webinar.MOASC News
- Submit your abstract in any or all areas of hematology by August 1. Affiliate Association News
- Get ready for the August Congressional recess! Organize a policymaker visit with the Sit in My Chair toolkit. Affiliate Association News
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- CAPP is hosting a reception with Assembly Member Tasha Boerner Horvath on Wednesday, July 31st, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at North Coast Health Center (Office of Michael Yokoyama, DDS, PDC, 477 N. El Camino Real, Building C, Suite C-306, Encinitas, CA 92024). There is no cost to attend. RSVP to Kristina Gelabert at 916.448.7992 x 3 or
kgelabert@micra.org
- Covered California premiums will rise an average of nearly 5% next year in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Leaders of the health insurance exchange created by the Affordable Care Act announced earlier this month statewide rates will rise an average of 0.8%, the lowest increase in Covered California's six-year history. New data released for the 19 pricing regions across the state show premiums will rise in some areas and fall in others. Rates will climb an average of 4.6% in Region 12, encompassing Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The hike is the second highest in the state, behind only the 6.6% increase in San Francisco County.
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Announcements:
New Medicare Card: Questions about Using the MBI.
Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories: Resources about the Private Payor Rate-Based CLFS. Importance of Proper Documentation: Provider Minute Video.
Events:
Enrollment: Multi-Factor Authentication for I&A System Webcast (July 30); Quality Payment Program Performance Information on Physician Compare Webinar (July 30/August 1)
Publications:
* New Waived Tests CR11354
Forthcoming Noridian JEMAC meetings/webinars/workshops
* Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis Webinar (July 31)
* What's New in the Third Quarter 2019-After Hours Webinar (August 1)
* Revocation, Caps and Appeals Webinar (August 7)
* Using the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) Webinar (August 8)
* Submitting Your Enrollment Online-Part 1 (I&A) Webinar (August 21)
* MSP Employer Based Plans Webinar (August 21)
* Drugs and Biologics-Outpatient Billing Webinar (September 10)
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- TOMORROW! MOASC's LunchTime Series presentation of, "Everything You Need To Know About USP Chapters <797> & <800>," Wednesday, July 31 at 12:00pm. MOASC has been in receipt of calls from members regarding USP Chapters <797> & <800>. Despite the national challenges, every medical practice that acquires, stores, mixes, or administers sterile and/or hazardous drugs, should review and consider their preparedness for inspection and being held to many of the pharmacy standards in USP Chapters <797> & <800>. Dawn Holcombe, MBA FACMPE ACHE, President, DGH Consulting and Willis Triplett, PharmD, have made available to MOASC an initial checklist that will guide you through your next steps. Please contact the MOASC Office
moasc@moasc.org
for handouts and call-in information.
- SAVE-THE-DATE for MOASC's Spotlight On Oncology, August 17, 2019 in Huntington Beach. MOASC awarded restricted grants to selected oncology fellows and faculty from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), to present the premier topics as a result of their attendance at the 2019 Annual ASCO Meeting. The presentations not only promote collegial discourse among colleagues along with networking in an informal setting but valuable clinical information. Contact the MOASC Office for more information at
moasc@moasc.org
.
- Renew your MOASC Membership TODAY to continue your investment in your state association! MOASC continues to advance oncology in California with your support and membership in MOASC. In 2018, MOASC successfully worked to create the California Cancer Caucus in Sacramento. YOU, the California oncologist, are the reason for MOASC's existence. MOASC advocates diligently insuring your ability to serve the California oncology community.
You can renew your membership in two ways:
Print the application
HERE
. With your check made payable to: Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Inc., mail the completed application to: P.O. Box 161, Upland, CA 91785.
OR
We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead with benefits you will not want to miss.
If you have any questions, please contact the MOASC Office at 909-985-9061 ext.1 or at
moasc@moasc.org
.
- MOASC Member, City of Hope CME presents: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Cancer Symposium on October 10-13, 2019 at the Waldorf Astoria, Las Vegas. This intensive program will provide participants with an enhanced ability to interpret and apply best treatment options into their individual cancer practices. For more information click
HERE.
To register go to:
https://cme.cityofhope.org/eventinfo_10946.html
.
- Mark your calendars for the "MOASC Educational Series Program" Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Waterfront Hotel, Huntington Beach.
- Mark your calendars NOW for the 7th Annual MOASC Oncology Summit, March 14, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. From 2014 through 2019, the MOASC Oncology Summit has highlighted cutting-edge topics presented by world-renowned physicians. From topics like: Decoding Molecular Medicine's "nibs" and "mabs" to Personalizing Cancer Care in the Era of Multiple Therapies and Diagnostic Tools to Harnessing the Power of Immunotherapy, and this year's Advancing Cancer Care in the Elderly; unlike any other, MOASC has brought to southern California physicians the most contemporary topics for presentation and discussion among colleagues. You will not want to miss our 2020 program!
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- ANCO annually funds one
Young Investigator Award
(YIA) for a qualified Northern California early-career cancer researcher through Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation.
We encourage all eligible Northern California Fellows and Trainees to apply. The YIA is a one-year, $50,000 grant that provides research funding to promising physicians to support their transition from final years of subspecialty training to faculty appointment and to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology. In addition, ANCO funds two
Merit Awards
for the 2020 ASCO Annual Meeting and an award to attend the 6th Annual Scientific and Career Development Retreat in October 2020, which is by invitation only. Learn more at
https://anco.org/membership/fellow-benefits/
. For questions about eligibility and the application, please contact Conquer Cancer at
grants@conquer.org
.
- SAVE THE DATE for the ANCO Annual Professional Education Meeting 2019 in Berkeley, Saturday, October 17. Watch for a meeting announcement in late July.
- SAVE THE DATE for the ANCO-UCSF Precision Oncology Symposium in San Francisco on Saturday, November 2. Watch for a meeting announcement in mid-July.
- Follow ANCO on Twitter at
@ANCO News
.
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National News
- Your practice may not be subject to USP797/800 standards. Join MOASC's LunchTime Series presentation, tomorrow, to understand the application in YOUR practice, of ASCO's clarification from USP around the newly revised USP797/800 standards. USP has determined that the USP 797/800 standards may not apply to most U.S. oncology practices that prepare and administer oncological agents. ASCO had urged USP to harmonize the standards with the United States Food and Drug Administration's definition of compounding. Reflecting ASCO's recommended changes, the final standards are more closely aligned with the FDA definition of compounding and make clear that the following activities are not subject to compounding standards in USP797--administration of a sterile medication, including injections and infusions; and, preparation of drugs--mixing, reconstituting, and other acts--in accordance with the medical table and other manufacturer directions. USP800 may be applicable to a practice, so long as the practice's activities fall into the exceptions listed above. However, as rules and regulations vary across states, practices should contact their relevant regulatory bodies. Learn more at
https://www.asco.org/advocacy-policy/asco-in-action/your-practice-may-not-be-subject-usp-and-standards-check-your?cid=DM2559&bid=19769714
.
- Comments are due by August 12th. Send YOUR ideas to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for regulatory, sub-regulatory, policy, practice and procedural changes for clinicians, providers, patients and their families. COA has been asked to participate in an RFI project as part of the "Reducing Administrative Burden to put Patients over Paperwork" that was initiated by the Administration through an Executive Order in 2017. Please provide specific areas of concern that might be included in the COA comments including any specific solutions that you may like to offer. There are many issues that make practice difficult. COA hopes to get a few concrete examples that can serve as the basis for COA's comments given the breadth of issues. If you can offer some help on issues that make life difficult for you as you provide cancer care day to day, and how you would like to see it changed, COA's comments may be more useful. A physician has already offered that the redundancy of documentation for things like smoking cessation and opioid prescribing where documentation has to be done in multiple places including notes and EHR rather than once, is a representative example. Thank you, in advance, for any thoughts you have that should be included in this somewhat global request for ideas that could improve cancer care by reducing the administrative burdens of giving that care. Knowing that you are busy, COA appreciates your time and expertise. Send to: Mark E. Thompson, M.D., Medical Director for Public Policy, Community Oncology Alliance mthompson@COAcancer.org.
- The Senate Finance Committee voted 19-9 to approve bipartisan legislation meant to lower prescription drug prices, sending the measure to the full Senate for consideration. The fate of the legislation is uncertain after Republicans expressed opposition to a provision that would require drugmakers to pay rebates if their Medicare Part D drug prices increase faster than inflation
- Though important questions about telemedicine remain unanswered, American College of Physicians Vice President for Medical Education Tabassum Salam believes the technology will only become more common, and the ACP is educating physicians to use it. ACP members responding to a survey cited a lack of access, potential for error and patient privacy concerns as major barriers beyond regulatory and reimbursement concerns to incorporating telemedicine into their practices.
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CMS News
- The Office of Inspector General's Top Solutions to Reduce Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in HHS Program Recommendations has been posted for 2019. In the 2019 edition, OIG focuses on the top 25 unimplemented recommendations that, in the OIG's view, would most positively affect HHS programs in terms of cost savings, program effectiveness and efficiency, and public health and safety if implemented. Download the Full Report.
- Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed major policy changes to ensure clinicians spend more time providing high-value care for patients instead of filing cumbersome paperwork. As part of CMS's annual changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program, the agency's proposals are aimed at reducing burden, recognizing clinicians for the time they spend with patients, removing unnecessary measures and making it easier for them to be on the path towards value-based care. This proposed rule builds on the Trump Administration's efforts to establish a patient-driven healthcare system that focuses on better health outcomes, and is projected to save 2.3 million hours per year in burden reduction.
For the full press release describing this announcement, please visit here.
For a fact sheet on the CY 2020 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, please visit here.
To view the CY 2020 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program proposed rule, please visit here
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Affiliate Association News
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- DUE Thursday!
Researchers are encouraged to submit an abstract by August 1, 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
Present your research at the world's premier hematology event, the 61st ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in Orlando, Florida. The best new scientific research in all areas of hematology will be presented.
- Is your practice ready to create a unique experience that will captivate members of Congress for the August Congressional recess! August is HERE and calendars are filling up fast, which is why the time to plan a
Sit in My Chair
event is NOW!
COA continues to make organizing a policymaker visit easy with the new and improved
Sit in My Chair
toolkit
. It offers everything your practice needs to curate a moving and memorable experience, from checking policymakers into your waiting room, walking them through diagnosis, having them sit in a chemotherapy chair for treatment, and more. It is important to put a human face on tough issues. That is what helps policymakers appreciate the important role of community oncology in patients' lives and our cancer care system.
- The ASCO Oncology Practice Conference, September 5, in San Diego will focus on the business of cancer care addressing the needs of practice administration and operations, with timely and practice strategies for the challenges faced by all those involved in the business of cancer care. Learn more and register at
https://meetings.asco.org/opc/register
.
- The ASCO Quality Care Symposium, September 6-7 in San Diego, encompasses the latest strategies and methods for quantification of patient experience, provider efficiency, clinical outcomes, and quality and safety in the cancer care field. The Symposium will include a variety of sessions that will cover the latest science in precision and personalized medicine. This meeting will bring leaders in quality improvement science together to participate in stimulating conversation with opportunities for networking among physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others.
ASCO Quality Care Symposium
.
- Join ASH on September 6-7, 2019, at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park for the 2019 ASH Meeting on Hematologic Malignancies to gain knowledge that can help you make an immediate impact in your practice. Top experts in the field, will present comprehensive clinical content, the latest clinical research, and opportunities to interact with colleagues in an intimate, small group setting with no competing sessions. The program content will be structured as "How I Treat" presentations, which will highlight each speaker's evidence-based treatment approaches, present cutting-edge scientific data that can be translated into new strategies for diagnosis and treatment, and address what to do in cases where there is no data. For more details, or to register, please visit the
ASH Website
.
- Register for ASCO's Advocacy Summit, September 25 & 26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. this two-day conference will feature guest speakers and network opportunities that will empower you to advocate for policies that support cancer research, your practice and highest quality patient care in meetings with your lawmakers.
-Dear Colleagues: The LEAD Oncology Conference is October 4-5 in Santa Monica. This is an amazing conference focused on enriching experiences for women in hematology/oncology. While there are many women in oncology, we share some similar challenges and can learn a lot from each other. I am looking forward to being a faculty member of the conference, and would love for you to attend. I have a Faculty "friends and family" 25% registration discount for you to share with up to 5 of your colleagues who would like to attend this year's conference. Provide the promotion code below and direct attendees to our online registration site at https://leadoncology.com/register/ (early bird rates available until August 14). Promotion code: FF2019. I hope to see you there! Please let me know if you are going. Debra.Patt@USONCOLOGY.COM. Warm regards, Debra, MD MPH MBA, Executive Vice President, Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Texas Oncology.
- Join the Inland Empire Oncology Nursing Society fundraiser event for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night, on October 26, 2019 at the Auto Club Speedway of California in Fontana, money raised through Light The Night allows The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to fund treatments for patients who are suffering from all forms of blood cancers. In 2018, LLS helped advance 19 of 21 approved blood cancer therapies. Beating cancer is in our blood.
Donate NOW!
- Each year, the Innovatix + Essensa National Meeting & Expo brings together members, contracted suppliers, and staff from Premier's Alternate Site Programs division for three highly anticipated days of learning, networking, and business development. This year's Meeting & Expo is October 28-30 in Atlanta. Our educational sessions feature nationally recognized policy leaders and influencers who share their knowledge about ways to help your business thrive. Please plan to register early to secure your spot as space is limited, and we anticipate it to fill quickly. As a MOASC purchasing member, you pay no registration fee for the conference or the sessions. REGISTER TODAY
- Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation, has awarded more than $126 million through nearly 2,100 grants and awards to medical students, trainees, young scientists, and oncologists at all stages of their careers. Many of ASCO's funding opportunities are currently accepting applications. While eligibility criteria differ for each award, all grants require that applicants be a member of ASCO to apply.
Join ASCO
and submit your grant application today!
Highlighted funding opportunities include: Young Investigators Award; Global Oncology Young Investigators Award; Career Development Award; Gateway Discovery Grant in Immunotherapy Research. For detailed information regarding eligibility criteria for each funding opportunity and its application process, please select the name of the grant above, or
view all available funding opportunities
through Conquer Cancer®.
- ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) is an oncologist-led, practice-based quality assessment program for outpatient oncology clinics. Round 2 registration is now open and data submission will run from July 1 to December 3, 2019. Register for QOPI at
https://myqopi.asco.org/registration/login.aspx
.
- Start planning now for the meeting you cannot miss!
The preliminary program for the 61st ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 7-10, 2019, in Orlando, is now available online.
Take a look
to start planning your meeting now and ensure you have access to the most up-to-date information on this year's exciting sessions, speakers, and events.
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- AMGEN informs ANCO and MOASC of the availability of two biosimilars--Mvasi (bevacuzumab-awwb; Q5107) and Kanjinti (trastuzumab-anns; C9399/J3590).
- Pfizer Oncology informs ANCO and MOASC that the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved Ruxience (rituximab-pvvr) for the treatment of adult patients with CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) to be used as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy, and CD20-positive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in combination with chemotherapy.
-The Scientific Review Committee, of the Gilead Sciences Research Scholars Program in Hematology/Oncology and Gilead Sciences, Inc. recognize the importance and value of basic and clinical research in the field of Hematology/Oncology. They have opened their campaign for submission of research proposals for consideration in support of innovative scientific research that will advance knowledge in the field of Hematology/Oncology and provide support for research career development. Click to Download Advertisement Click to Download Brochure . The awards provide financial support to 3 junior faculty researchers in Canada or the United States a for a 2- year period. Each award is funded up to USD $130,000, to be paid in annual installments of up to USD $65,000 per year for 2 years. The deadline for online application is September 6, 2019. Any questions, please contact the Research Scholars Program Coordinator at:919-534-7653 gileadsciences@bcdme.com. For a complete overview of the program: http://researchscholars.gilead.com/en/hematology_oncology_portal/program-overview.
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MOASC CALENDAR
July 31, 2019
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(NCCN, San Francisco, September 27)
(NCCN, San Francisco, September 27-28)
ANCO Annual Professional Education Meeting 2019 (Berkeley, October 17)
ANCO-UCSF Precision Oncology Symposium (San Francisco, November 2),
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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.org
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