New Medicare Drug Benefits
The following links provided by the Southern Medical Association will help you talk to your patients about the new Medicare drug benefits. The Medicare prescription drug coverage that begins January 1, 2006 will have an average monthly premium of $32.20, depending on which drug plan is chosen.
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ASCO provides several tools to assist practicing oncologists, including: ASCO Coding Hotline
Members can receive answers to coding and reimbursement questions at no charge. The Coding Hotline provides information about evaluation and management documentation guidelines, billing for chemotherapy services, coverage policies, and regulatory issues such as compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) rules. Call 703-299-1054, or email your questions to practice@asco.org. MMA Frequently Asked Questions
The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) imposes several changes in coding for drug administration services, as well as billing and payments for drugs. There are many technical questions and uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the MMA. This series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) are based on member requests seeking clarification on how MMA will impact their practice, as well as interpretation of the new Medicare fee schedule rule. ASCO Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) Website
The CAC website lets oncologists easily navigate the numerous Medicare policies affecting practice. The website contains oncology-specific local medical review policies (LMRPs) and state-specific Medicare carrier information. The advanced search capabilities help to locate draft and final LMRPs affecting practice and provide information for state oncology CAC representatives -- allowing physicians to weigh in on Medicare policy. Visit the CAC website at www.asco.org/cac. Practical Tips for the Practicing Oncologist
This comprehensive publication answers the most commonly asked questions about coding, coverage, reimbursement, and regulatory issues for medical oncology services. A convenient reference, Practical Tips for the Practicing Oncologist, features rules and regulations from the Federal Register and excerpts from the Medicare Carriers Manual relevant to oncology-related policies. For more information, contact ASCO's Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at (703) 299-1050. |