Oncology Practice Insider | ASCO Practice Central

ASCO’s Oncology Practice Insider provides the latest news, information, and educational tools to assist with the successful management of oncology practice and the delivery of high quality patient care. OPI offers updates on ASCO programs, services, and cancer-related health policy, Medicare news, and billing and coding best practices. To sign up for the biweekly Oncology Practice Insider newsletter, please complete this form.

How Will Your Practice be Affected by the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and other changes to Part B reimbursement policies, including proposals for the Quality Payment Program. The estimated overall impact of the rule for both the hematology/oncology and radiation oncology specialties is 0%. However, the actual impact on practices will depend on the mix of services the practice provides. ASCO is still assessing the rule and will provide more information as it becomes available.

CMS Finalizes Updates to E&M Codes, Establishes MIPS Value Pathways

On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and other changes to Medicare Part B reimbursement policies, including proposals related to the Quality Payment Program (QPP).

2020 Hospital Outpatient Payment Rule Maintains 340B Cuts, Updates Prior Authorization and Hospital Supervision Provisions

On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final rule for reimbursement under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) in 2020. ASCO is still analyzing the rule and will provide in-depth analysis for members as soon as possible.

Quality Payment Program: Alternative Payment Models Web-Based Training

CMS recently posted five Continuing Medical Education (CME) modules on Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Access them now by logging into the Medicare Learning Network Learning Management System.

Proposed 2020 Physician Fee Schedule and QPP Changes Must Promote High-Quality Cancer Care

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ASCO President Howard A.

CMS Expands CAR T-cell Therapy Coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that Medicare will now cover all Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy delivered in inpatient facilities.

2020 Fee Schedule Proposal Outlines E&M Code Changes, Substantial MIPS Changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released its proposed rule for the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and other changes to Medicare Part B and the Quality Payment Program. ASCO’s preliminary analysis outlines important changes to Evaluation & Management coding and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System.. Learn more.

Upcoming CMS Quality Webinars

CMS is hosting two upcoming webinars that will provide engaging and informative overviews about quality measures, with an emphasis on how these measures are impacting health care and how the public can get involved in the development of quality measures. Both webinars will be offered twice this summer. Be sure to register in advance as space is limited. Measuring Quality to Improve Quality: Strengths and Challenges of Clinical Quality Measurement