2009-09-24

Senate Finance Committee Begins Markup on Chairman Baucus’ Health Reform Proposal
The Senate Finance Committee began consideration of Chairman Max Baucus’ (D-MT) long-awaited health reform proposal on September 22. Read more.

White House Reaffirms Commitment to Fixing the Medicare Physician Payment Formula and Health Reform
During a September 17 conference call with physicians, White House staff strongly reaffirmed the Obama Administration's support for fixing the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula as part of any health reform that is enacted. Read more.

ASH Urges Congress to Replace the Flawed SGR
ASH has joined other physician organizations in signing a letter urging Congress to replace the flawed SGR formula in any health-care reform legislation. Read more.

DHHS Alert: Cocaine Mixed With Levamisole Causes Agranulocytosis in Users
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning that cocaine has been found to be tainted with levamisole and has caused approximately 20 cases of agranulocytosis in users. Read more.

Changes Impacting Hematology ICD-9 Codes Become Effective October 1
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released a complete list of ICD-9 diagnoses and procedural coding changes that will become effective on October 1, 2009, and the changes that will impact hematology have been indentified. Read more.

What's New With the 2009 PQRI and E-Prescribing Incentive Programs
The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) has announced the availability of the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative and E-Prescribing Program Web-based training course as well as new and revised MLN articles on the 2009 PQRI. Read more.

October 2009 ASP Files Available From Medicare
CMS has posted the October 2009 Average Sales Price (ASP) pricing files and crosswalks.