November Practice Update (part one)
Election Results Impact on Hematology
Now that the election is decided, be sure to attend two special sessions during the 50th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition that will examine what the elections mean for hematology and the nation. The sessions include the ASH Practice Forum and the ASH Grassroots Network Breakfast. Read more.
Health Information Technology Legislation to be Introduced in 2009
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has indicated that legislation to encourage widespread adoption of health information technology (HIT) will likely be on the Democrats’ legislative agenda in early 2009. Read more.
Outlook for Health Care Reform in Obama Administration Focuses on Children’s Health Insurance
The recent elections have established Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress, and brought the issue of comprehensive health care reform to the forefront of next year’s political agenda. Read more.
Medicare Releases Final 2009 Payment Regulations
CMS released a final rule that updates payment policies and rates under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for calendar year 2009, beginning January 1, 2009. The rule replaces the scheduled 15.1 percent cut with a 1.1 percent increase as required under the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), but also implements other MIPPA provisions that will lead to payment redistributions. Read more.
Medicare Releases Hospital Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgical Center Final Rule
CMS released the final 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System/Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) rule. The rule includes payment updates for both of these systems and finalizes updates to the ASC Conditions for Coverage. Read more.
Medicare Releases Guidance on Use of Drug Compendia
October 24, 2008 -- The CMS issued revised instructions to Medicare Part B Carriers and Part A/B Medicare Administrative Contractors on the authoritative compendia used to make coverage determinations for drugs used in anti-cancer drug regimens. Visit Policy and Practice News to learn more.
Protests against National Contracts May Delay National Rollout of Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) Program
The Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) were scheduled to become a permanent national program by January 1, 2010 but protests filed against recently awarded national contracts has forced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to impose an automatic stay in the contract work until the Government Accountability Office (GAO) makes a decision. Read more.
Release of the 2009 HCPCS Annual Update
The CMS has released its latest modifications to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set. Read more .
Medicare Hosts National Provider Conference Call on PQRI
The CMS will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). Visit Resources for Practitioners to learn more.
MedPAC Wants Industry to Reveal Financial Ties to Doctors
November 6, 2008 - The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has developed a package of recommendations to Congress that would require broad disclosure by the health care industry of its financial ties to doctors and others. Read more.
Institute of Medicine Holds Workshop on Oncology Workforce Issues
On October 20th and 21st, the Institute of Medicine’s National Cancer Policy Forum presented a workshop entitled "Ensuring Quality Cancer Care through the Oncology Workforce." Many of the presentations had relevance to general medical practice as well as to malignant hematology. The workshop materials are available for review on the Institute of Medicine’s Web site.
AMA Survey Collects Physician Opinion on PQRI Program
Responses from a recent online survey conducted by the American Medical Association (AMA) indicate a desire to improve PQRI, especially in the areas of participant education and user support. Visit the AMA Web site for more information.
Highlights of ASH to be Held in São Paulo
ASH is proud to announce the first Highlights of ASH being held in São Paulo, Brazil, on May 15-16, 2009. This unique event will feature leading experts discussing the latest scientific discoveries from the 2008 ASH Annual Meeting and the clinical application of the research.
Don’t forget, you can also attend Highlights of ASH in Phoenix, AZ, on January 30-31, or in Miami, FL, on February 6-7. Register today!