04/17/2018

Recent Oncology Related News

Procedure code 99495 is payable

Procedure code 99495 has changed from non-payable to payable, effective Jan. 4, 2018. The provider must communicate directly, electronically or by telephone with the patient or caregiver within two days of discharge from an inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility or community mental health center stay, outpatient observation or partial hospitalization. A face-to-face visit must occur within 14 calendar days of the patient's discharge.  READ MORE 

COA Practice Impact Report Details Consolidation, Shift of U.S. Cancer Care System Into More Expensive Hospital Setting

(COA) Apr 12, 2018 – The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) today released the 2018 Community Oncology Practice Impact Report which tracks data on the changing landscape of cancer care in the United States. READ PRESS RELEASE 

ASCO Volunteers Will Help Shape CMS Development of Episode-Based Cost Measures

(ASCO in Action) Apr 11, 2018 - Eight ASCO volunteers have been chosen to serve on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Oncology Clinical Subcommittee that will provide input on the development of episode-based cost measures for potential use in the Quality Payment Program.
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Payment Bundles That Include Drug Costs May Destabilize Cancer Care Delivery Environment

(ASCO in Action) Apr 12, 2018 - An analysis published today in the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP), suggests that including cancer drug costs in bundled payments under Medicare risks destabilizing the cancer care delivery environment. READ ARTICLE