2009-12-10

CMS Will Eliminate Consultation Codes – Effective January 1, 2010
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced in its final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for 2010 that it will be eliminating the use of all consultation codes in the fee-for-service program. Read more.

Senate Works on Health Reform Legislation to Reach Passable Compromise
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) continues to negotiate with Democrats in the Senate to reach a compromise on health reform legislation that will garner the 60 votes necessary for Senate passage. Read more.

Let ASH Help You - Submit Your Medicare Reimbursement Questions to the Society Today
ASH is pleased to assist physicians with any concerns regarding Medicare reimbursement issues. To ensure ASH staff has all of the appropriate information needed to assist with a request, please submit ASH’s new Medicare Reimbursement Review Process Form and the supporting documents listed to the ASH Government Relations Department. ASH staff will follow-up within two weeks of receiving your request.

ASH Expresses Concern to CMS about New Medicare Enrollment Policy
ASH has joined other physician organizations in urging the CMS to reconsider its new policy under which Medicare will not pay claims for services when the referring or ordering physician or health-care practitioner is not in the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) database. ASH requests that CMS indefinitely suspend the plan to deny claims and focus on a smooth transition process to the PECOS system. A physician or health-care practitioner who enrolled in Medicare prior to 2003 when CMS began using PECOS will be required to re-enroll in the program. It is estimated that as many as 30 percent of all Medicare physicians and other health-care practitioners are not in the PECOS system. Read more.

Medicare Extends 2010 Annual Participation Enrollment Program
Due to recent revisions that were made to the 2010 MPFS, CMS has extended the 2010 Annual Participation Enrollment Program end date from December 31, 2009, to January 31, 2010. The effective date for any participation status change during the extension, however, remains January 1, 2010. Contractors will accept and process any participation elections or withdrawals made during the extended enrollment period that are received or post-marked on or before January 31, 2010.

FDA Requests Help in Reporting New Cancer Cases for Patients Taking Stelara
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. are asking for physician assistance in reporting new cancer cases in patients who have taken Stelara™ (ustekinumab), a new human monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Physicians who are consulted to see a patient with cancer at any time after he or she has received Stelara therapy should report the case even if they do not think there is a causal relationship. Physicians can report the case either to the FDA or to Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc.:

• MedWatch (FDA safety information and adverse event reporting program) at 1-800-332-1088 or online.
• Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. at 1-800-457-6399

Read more. 

Medicare Paid Over $92 Million in Incentives for 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
More than 85,000 physicians and other eligible professionals who successfully reported quality-related data to Medicare under the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) received incentive payments totaling more than $92 million, well above the $36 million paid in 2007. The number of eligible professionals who earned an incentive payment increased by one-third from 2007. There are four hematology measures in the PQRI program and, from 2007 to 2008, all hematology measures showed an increased percent of valid submissions. Additional information about the PQRI Program can be found on ASH's PQRI page.

Medicare Releases Quarterly CCI Update
CMS has released its Quarterly Update to the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI). These updates will go into effect January 1, 2010.

New Medicare Learning Network Booklet: How to Use the Medicare Coverage Database Search Tool
The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) has developed a “how to” book explaining use of the Medicare Coverage Database as well as how to use search, indexes, reports, and download features. The Medicare Coverage Database contains all Medicare National Coverage Determinations, National Coverage Analyses, Local Coverage Determinations, and local policy articles. This “how to” book can be located on the MLN Publications page.

Don’t Miss the Only Official Highlights of ASH - Occurring Near You
For the first time, the ASH is offering Highlights of ASH® in six locations throughout North America and on four convenient dates. Register today and join your colleagues at this clinically focused event to discuss some of the most rapidly evolving hematologic developments and earn a maximum of 10.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM.

The program format provides practitioners, fellows, academicians, and allied health professionals numerous opportunities to discuss real patient cases with leaders in the field and gain knowledge that can impact patient care strategies. The advance registration deadline is rapidly approaching - register today!

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