U.S. Representative John Carney [D-Del.] was recognized at a February 21 event by ASCO and its state affiliate the Delaware Society for Clinical Oncology (DSCO) for his continued support and leadership at the state and federal levels in Delaware’s fight against cancer.  The reception included remarks by ASCO President Sandra M. Swain, MD, and DCSO President Jon Strasser, MD. The event was held at the Medical Society of Delaware.

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On February 22, 2013, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved ado-trastuzumab emtansine (KADCYLA™ for injection, Genentech, Inc.), for u...

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In another Congressional cliffhanger, only four days remain before the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration take effect across the federal government-unless lawmakers immediately act to avert this looming fiscal crisis.

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Most injectable oncology drugs are characterized as “physician-administered drugs” and are reimbursed under the medical benefit—as opposed to the pharmacy benefit—in many insurance plans. Under Medicare, these drugs are also known as “Part B” drugs, as they are covered by the Medicare Part B benefit, which pays for certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. When providing chemotherapy as a service under Part B Medicare, physicians purchase the drugs, manage inventory, administer drugs in-office, and submit claims to Medicare and Medigap insurers for reimbursement of the drug and certain associated administrative costs, such as copay collections. This process is commonly termed “buy and bill.”

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ASCO and the Food and Drug Administration, with support from the American Association for Cancer Research, are sponsoring a workshop March 22, on "Innovations in Breast Cancer Drug Development – Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer," at FDA's White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD.

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ASCO’s Top Five List, as part of the Choosing Wisely® campaign, continues to resonate with the oncology community as the Society has taken f...

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The Final Rule to implement the Physician Payment Sunshine Act—Section 6002 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (released on February 1)—will make information publicly available about payments or transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals (“covered recipients”) from applicable manufacturers and group purchasing organizations (GPOs). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will publish the information on a public website.

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In his State of the Union Address Feb. 12, President Barack Obama called on Congress to avoid the harmful effects of the automatic budget cuts set to take place March 1. The sequester could result in a 5.1 percent cut to the budget of the National Institutes of Health.

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