ASCO is committed to supporting its 48 State/Regional Affiliates, and encourages its members to become engaged in local activities by joining their state oncology society. Strong state societies are a vital component to effective advocacy and a critical resource for addressing issues of concern to the cancer community. To better support the activities of each state/regional oncology society, ASCO offers several services and benefits to its Affiliates, including:
Coding & Reimbursement Assistance
ASCO staff is available to assist members and their office staff on coding, coverage, and reimbursement issues. E-mail
practice@asco.org for assistance.
ASCO Practice Management Curriculum
This
curriculum is offered free of charge to ASCO State/Regional Affiliates. It is designed to provide information critical to the practice of oncology. The goals are to help practicing oncologists and other oncology professionals understand Medicare changes and learn how to adapt to these changes, evaluate how to increase efficiency in the practice, benchmark your practice, and understand the financial health of your practice.
Representation on ASCO’s CPC
Each Affiliate has a voting representative on the ASCO Clinical Practice Committee (CPC), and this relationship forms an important link between each Affiliate and ASCO. Through participation in the CPC and other informal mechanisms, the societies have a role in the development of public policy positions at the national level. The societies also work with ASCO to help inform and guide state and/or local policies related to cancer care access and coverage. View the list of
state/regional affiliates to see your state society representatives.
CAC Network Meeting and Medicare Coverage Policies by State
Information about your local Medicare contractor, CAC representatives, and local state oncology/hematology society. Read the monthly CAC e-newsletter and learn how to research oncology and hematology-related local coverage determinations (LCDs) by state and subject.
Practical Tips for the Oncology Practice, 5th Edition
Practical Tips is one of ASCO's best resources for your practice with useful content that answers the most commonly asked billing, coding and reimbursement questions related to oncology services. The publication also addresses the regulations that impact an oncology practice. The book is directed to both physicians and their office staff. Its practical content can be applied in day-to-day operations. Purchase the ASCO publication online at the
ASCO Bookstore or by calling 888-273-3508. Special pricing is available to state affiliates placing bulk orders.
Legislative & Regulatory Activities
Federal and state policy development, grassroots advocacy campaigns, partnerships with
patient advocacy groups.
Media
ASCO provides assistance to State/Regional Affiliates in contacting members of the local media, and offers training sessions on specific issues in order to prepare potential spokespeople in communicating their message. Tips for communicating with the media can also be found in the
State Affiliate Handbook.
Meetings
ASCO provides
meeting services assistance. You may request an ASCO speaker, continuing education tools, and search the calendar of events sponsored by state/regional oncology societies and ASCO.
Membership Recruitment & Benefits Assistance
Recruitment efforts, web site development, content for state society newsletters. State society members may request one complimentary ASCO membership list per year to assist them in recruiting new members in their state.
State Affiliate Handbook
A
guide for establishing and managing a state oncology society.
State Oncology Societies Booth
ASCO provides complimentary
exhibit space for state society representatives at the ASCO Annual Meeting, providing societies with the opportunity to showcase their organizations.
Web Site Development
ASCO has designed a template for state societies to create a web site for their organization. This service enables societies to have a presence on the Internet for their members as well as the general public.
If you have questions regarding these services, please e-mail
stateaffiliates@asco.org or call the Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 571-483-1670.
