June 2007 Practice Update

Have a Pressing Clinical Question?
ASH has just launched a new member service called Consult a Colleague, designed to help facilitate the exchange of information between hematologists in practice. Clinical questions in the areas of hemostasis/thrombosis and lymphoproliferative disorders may be submitted online and will be answered by participating experts in the field in one to two business days. In the future, the program may be expanded to include other clinical areas as well.

Take Action to Prevent 10 percent Physician Payment Cut
Absent congressional action, a 10 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement payments to physicians will become effective on January 1, 2008. ASH has been very active and successful in working with the physician community in the past years working to have Congress avert similar scheduled cuts in Medicare physician payment rates. It is critical, however, that the Congress hear from all physicians now about the need to prevent next year's scheduled cut. Please visit the ASH Advocacy Center and participate in ASH's advocacy campaign. The Advocacy Center provides you with a sample e-mail requesting congressional action and links you to your Representative and Senators' e-mail addresses. ASH's sample letter also provides congressional offices with recommendations for averting the cut, including legislative options supported by over 80 physician specialty societies and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). Please take action today!

ASH Opposes Medicare's Proposed National Coverage Policy on Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESAs)
ASH believes Medicare's proposed coverage policy for ESAs would have significant adverse consequences for patients with hematologic malignancies, particularly myelodysplastic syndromes. ASH has met with Congress, will be commenting on the policy, and is planning a meeting with Medicare to discuss concerns. View ASH's statement on Medicare Proposed National Coverage Policy on Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents for more information.

Medicare's Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) To Begin July 1; See ASH's Web Site For Information to Participate
Medicare's PQRI provides a financial incentive for eligible professionals to participate in a voluntary quality reporting program. Eligible professionals who successfully report a designated set of quality measures on claims for dates of service from July 1 to December 31, 2007, may earn a bonus payment, subject to a cap, of 1.5 percent of total allowed charges for covered Medicare physician fee schedule services. Visit ASH's Web site to obtain information about this new program, learn how to participate, and find other practice resources.

If you have questions or need additional information please feel free to contact the ASH Government Relations and Practice Department at grassroots@hematology.org or 202-776-0544.