2009-07-09

Medicare Releases Proposed Payment and Policy Changes for Physicians for CY 2010
On July 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted its proposed Medicare physician fee schedule for 2010. Several provisions of the proposed rule will affect practicing hematologists/oncologists. Of particular concern, hematology/oncology is estimated to experience an impact of minus 6 percent from the combined changes to practice and work Relative Value Units in the proposed rule. Read more.

Medicare Releases 2010 Proposed Rules for Hospital Outpatient Services
On July 1, CMS posted its proposed rule governing payment policies and rates for the hospital outpatient payment system for CY 2010 on its Web site. Read more.

OIG Releases Report on Chemotherapy Administration
On June 30, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services released a report on Medicare Part B drug administration examining whether Medicare paid appropriately for Part B services billed as chemotherapy administration from 2005 to 2007. Read more.

ASH Comments on Draft LCD Regarding EPO in J14 Region
ASH submitted comments to the National Heritage Insurance Corporation, in response to the draft Local Coverage Determination (LCD) on Erythropoietin Analogs Unrelated to End Stage Renal Disease or Cancer. Read more.

ASH Weighs In on “Meaningful Use” of Electronic Health Records
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for incentive payments to providers that “meaningfully use” electronic health records. Read more.

ASH Commends House, Senate on Comparative Effectiveness Funding
ASH, along with 61 other medical societies, sent letters to the members of the House and Senate commending them for providing funding for important comparative effectiveness research initiatives within the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

ICD-10 Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System Educational Product Available From the Medicare Learning Network
The Publication “ICD-10-CM/PCS Myths & Facts” (June 2009), which corrects some myths regarding the ICD-10-Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System, is now available in downloadable format from CMS’ Medicare Learning Network.

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