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IMPORTANT NATIONAL TOPICS AND UPDATES
IMPACTING CANCER CARE IN OUR REGION
ASCO Opioids ToolkitIMPACTING CANCER CARE IN OUR REGION
If you would like more information about any of these issues or have questions about these or other topics regarding legislation or regulations that effect cancer care, please email info@nnecos.org. 
NNECOS joins with ASCO and others in signing COVID-19/Clinical Trials Community Letter.
ASCO Opioids Toolkit.pdf - ASCO developed this toolkit as a resource to ASCO members as their states consider policies related to
opioid prescriptions.
opioid prescriptions.
ASCO Access to Investigational Drugs ToolkitASCO developed this toolkit as a resource to ASCO members as their states consider policies related to right-to-try and expanded access legislation.ASCO Prior Authorization Toolkit
ASCO Prior Authorization ToolkitASCO developed this toolkit as a resource to ASCO members as their states consider policies related to utilization management and prior authorization.
ASCO Oral Parity Toolkit - ASCO developed this toolkit as a resource to ASCO members as their states consider policies related to oral chemotherapy parity, or “cancer treatment fairness.”
ASCO Macra Resources
http://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/practice-management-issues/medicare-program/macra
ASCO Releases Principles for Patient-Centered Healthcare Reform
Increasing Patient Access to Quality Care, Avoiding Insurance Coverage Gaps, and Screening and Prevention Services Listed as Keys to Fostering the Best Possible Cancer Care
http://www.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/blog-release/documents/2017-ASCO-Principles-Healthcare-Reform.pdf?et_cid=38812470&et_rid=801330592&linkid=full+principles+document
ASCO President Dan Hayes blogs about the importance of State Affiliates!
https://connection.asco.org/blogs/asco-stateregional-affiliates-making-difference-cancer-care-you
Vermont Department of Health Proposed Rule Governing the Prescribing of Opioids for Pain (Rule Number 16P047)
NNECOS and ASCO have weighed in on proposed changes to VErmont Department of Health's Rule Governing the Prescribing of Opioids for Pain. Comment period closes 10/28/16. Read our letter.
Complete All PQRS Reporting Requirements Free Through QOPI®
ASCO is pleased to announce that oncology practices can now complete all of their Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) requirements through the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) platform. All users will be able to use the QOPI system to fulfill the Oncology Measures Group set of seven measures for PQRS reporting. QOPI is free to all users, and the new PQRS reporting is free of charge to any practice with a current and registered ASCO member. To read the article, click here.
New State Policy Resource: Pathways Toolkit
ASCO has prepared a Pathways toolkit as a resource for the State Affiliates. The toolkit includes the ASCO Pathways statement, a Pathways policy brief, andmodel legislative language.
ASCO Policy Statement on Opioid Therapy: Protecting Access to Treatment for Cancer-Related Pain
ASCO released a new policy statement, ASCO Policy Statement on Opioid Therapy: Protecting Access to Treatment for Cancer-Related Pain, in May. ASCO supports efforts at both the state and federal levels to address the widespread problems of opioid misuse and abuse, and is advocating for laws and programs that take into account the special needs of cancer patients. ASCO is interested in partnering with the State Affiliates as their states consider new policies related to the opioids crisis.
ASCO Issues New Guideline on Management of Chronic Pain in Adult Cancer Survivors
http://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/quality-guidelines/guidelines/patient-and-survivor-care#/13021
URGE Congress to Stop the CMS Proposed Part B Drug Demonstration Project!
Let your elected officials know that you are deeply concerned that this risky, unproven experiment to Medicare Part B drug payments will jeopardize the health of millions of Medicare patients with cancer. Tell them to protect the health and safety of Medicare patients, especially vulnerable seniors, who rely on Medicare Part B drugs!
NNECOS has signed on to national letters and sent letters to each of our region's congressional leaders on behalf of our membership, but more action is necessary. Despite these efforts, lawmakers are reporting that they simply are not hearing from enough people back home on this issue, so it's crucial that each of us reaches out personally.
Using ASCO's Act Network tool, it takes just minutes to personalize the prepared letter and quickly reach out to your congressional representatives to express your concern!
If you haven’t had the chance to do so, please take a few minutes and let them know your concerns today!
Learn More About This Issue
Calculate how this demonstration project will impact you! Use the ASP Demo Impact Calculator
The flat fee of $16.80 CMS proposed to add to drug payments will also be subject to sequestration. Instructions on how to use the calculator can be found in Tab 1 of the spreadsheet. Please follow Steps 1-3. If you have any questions, please contact stateaffiliates@asco.org.
ASCO, More Than 300 Advocacy Groups Request Withdrawal of Medicare Part B Drug Proposal
CMS Proposal Modifying ASP Misses the Mark When Rational Payment Reform is Needed
CMS Proposal to Modify ASP Raises Significant Concerns
NNECOS & ASCO Comment on Vermont Medicaid Physician Administered Drugs Proposal
The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) recently sent a communication to providers announcing its 2016 physician administered drugs fee schedule under which physician administered drugs would be reimbursed at 93% of Medicare ASP+6%.Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society(NNECOS) President Dr. Steven Ades and Executive Director Lori Aubrey, ASCO Board Member Dr. Chris Nunnink, State Affiliate Council Chair-Elect Dr. Tracey Weisberg, and ASCO staff worked together to learn more details of the proposal and its impact on Vermont’s oncology practices. DVHA currently reimburses for physician administered drugs at 93% of Medicare and rates will not decrease in 2016 in aggregate. The reimbursement varies widely depending on the individual drug, however, with some codes decreasing and some increasing. Reimbursements in future years will be determined in a budget neutral manner.
NNECOS and ASCO submitted letters on December 15 urging DVHA to reconsider the proposal to take into account the costs of providing these services to patients and to ensure access to care. If you have seen similar Medicaid reimbursement proposals for physician administered drugs in your state, please let ASCO know by contacting Jennifer Brunelle.
If you would like more information about any of these issues or have questions about these or other topics regarding legislation or regulations that effect cancer care, please email info@nnecos.org.
Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society
P.O. Box 643
Sandown, NH 03873-0643
Telephone (603) 887-1948
info@nnecos.org
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