Congress recently passed a third legislative package focused on stabilizing the United States economy and shoring up the health care system to ensure it is prepared to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. The bill includes key provisions that will impact the cancer care community, as well as patients with and survivors of cancer.
ASCO in Action provides the latest news and analysis related to critical policy issues affecting the cancer community, updates on the Association for Clinical Oncology’s ongoing advocacy efforts, and opportunities for members and others in the cancer care community to take action.
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March 27, 2020
March 11, 2020
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has developed a summary of updates from states and private payers in response to COVID-19. The summary includes information on coverage for laboratory tests, provider visits, telehealth, and other related care, along with changes to prior authorization requirements, network restrictions, and prescription refills, among other updates.
March 3, 2020
In a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) expressed concerns regarding two provisions in the 2021 Affordable Care Act (ACA) Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters proposed rule. This proposal, if implemented, would update the regulatory and financial standards applied to ACA Exchanges.
March 3, 2020
In a letter to Representatives Terri Sewell (AL), Adrian Smith (NE), Tony Cárdenas (CA), and John Shimkus (IL), the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conveyed its support for legislation the lawmakers introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, H.R.
March 3, 2020
Starting January 1, 2021, there will be significant changes to the office and outpatient Evaluation and Management (E&M) services Current Procedural Terminology (CPT ®) codes (99202-99215), for both new and established patients. Practices, physicians, and staff must prepare in advance for these changes to ensure a successful transition next year and avoid any disruption in reimbursement.
February 4, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is expanding its coverage of next generation sequencing (NGS) for use as a diagnostic tool for certain patients with cancer.
January 21, 2020
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), submitted its Patient-Centered Oncology Payment (PCOP) model for consideration by the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC). PTAC is an advisory group to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which sends recommendations to the Secretary of HHS on stakeholder proposals for a type of alternative payment model known as a physician-focused payment model (PFPM).
January 21, 2020
Price transparency is often highlighted in conversations about health care reform in the U.S. since prices vary for health care goods and services by location, provider choice, health insurance benefit design, and other factors. Such complexity within the health care delivery system makes it difficult to distill and share information that would be meaningful and useful to patients and providers.
January 7, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced important updates for 2019 and 2020 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) participants, including the 2019 data submission period for MIPS eligible clinicians and how participants can check their 2020 MIPS eligibility.