June Newsletter: Board Meeting, Practice Database, How Practices Survived the Pandemic, and More
COA Board Meets to Discuss Pressing Issues
Board Sets Priorities for Future, Including Focus on Disparities
At the first in-person meeting in over 18 months, the COA Board of Directors came together outside of Washington, DC to work on a range of critical issues affecting patients and practices.
The COA Board decided on several strategic priorities, including voting unanimously to commit significant resources to stop destructive PBM actions at the federal and state levels; and to advance efforts to reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program so that discounts would flow directly to patients in need, rather than disproportionate share hospital profits. The Board also voted to establish a new standing task force on health disparities to plot a course towards meaningful action on this complex and difficult issue.
At the meeting, COA’s immediate past president Michael Diaz, MD, was recognized for his service to community oncology. The Board recognized Dr. Diaz’s dedication to his patients and the field at large with his work in and out of the clinic. The entire COA community is thankful for his hard work.
Confirm Your Data in the COA Practice Database
Help us Help You by Registering Your Practice With COA
COA has joined forces with CancerCare on a public awareness campaign about the urgency of getting cancer screenings back on track. This campaign features public service announcements (PSAs) with a major celebrity, providing a toll-free hotline and website to connect people who need screenings or care with local options.
Help COA with the campaign by ensuring your practice is included in our practice database! Even if you don’t offer cancer screenings, providing contact information for your practice location(s) will help us refer people who need quality, compassionate care.
- Please take a few minutes to confirm or add your practice location information in our handy web tool: https://register.communityoncology.org/
Policy Updates & Perspectives
Community Oncology News of Note
SCOTUS: Site Neutral Payments Remain
The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal of the site-neutral payment policy instituted by HHS. The policy is intended to reduce payment disparities between outpatient hospital facilities and independent physician practices who provide the same service.
Is it Deja Vu at the Innovation Center?
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center (CMMI) was created to test new, promising health care payment and delivery models. Unfortunately, it’s been used as a way for administrations to skirt Congress. In his recent op-ed, COA’s Executive Director Ted Okon argues that the Innovation Center should refocus on its original mission.
- Read ‘Is It Déjà Vu All Over Again at the Medicare & Medicaid Innovation Center?’ in Morning Consult.
How Oncology Practices Weathered the Pandemic
The predictions for the pandemic’s effects on community oncology were not pretty. Experts calculated that the steep declines in screening and treatment visits would strain an already burdened system, causing many practices to close.
The pandemic is subsiding, and practices have largely survived due to their innovative spirit and ability to adapt. Medscape talked to several COA members about their pandemic experiences, how they continued to treat patients, and what they foresee in the near future.
Register for the 2021 Community Oncology Advocacy Summit
Getting Back Into the Advocacy Groove
2020 put a damper on advocacy as community oncology advocates of all stripes focused on the safety and continuity of cancer care during an unprecedented time. As the pandemic recedes, advocates are gearing up for a renewed push at the state and federal levels.
Join hundreds of other advocates in shaking off the rust at the 2021Virtual Community Oncology Advocacy Summit on July 21 at 10 a.m. ET. Experts in legislation, communication, and treatment will get advocates up to speed on the latest in the field and the best ways to get your message out there.
Resource Spotlight: Community Oncology Pharmacy Association
Share, Learn, and Network with Practice Professionals
An increasing number of oncolytic drugs are administered orally, meaning that they can be dispensed at community oncology clinics. However, the field is constantly changing with new best practices, challenges, and improved tools.
COPA is a free network for oncology pharmacy professionals looking to improve the patient experience. COPA members have access to resource sharing sites, a listserv of other professionals, and more. In a time of changing regulations and pandemic restrictions, access to a network of like-minded professionals is crucial to success.
June Newsletter: Board Meeting, Practice Database, How Practices Survived the Pandemic, and More
COA Board Meets to Discuss Pressing Issues
Board Sets Priorities for Future, Including Focus on Disparities
At the first in-person meeting in over 18 months, the COA Board of Directors came together outside of Washington, DC to work on a range of critical issues affecting patients and practices.
The COA Board decided on several strategic priorities, including voting unanimously to commit significant resources to stop destructive PBM actions at the federal and state levels; and to advance efforts to reform the 340B Drug Pricing Program so that discounts would flow directly to patients in need, rather than disproportionate share hospital profits. The Board also voted to establish a new standing task force on health disparities to plot a course towards meaningful action on this complex and difficult issue.
At the meeting, COA’s immediate past president Michael Diaz, MD, was recognized for his service to community oncology. The Board recognized Dr. Diaz’s dedication to his patients and the field at large with his work in and out of the clinic. The entire COA community is thankful for his hard work.
Confirm Your Data in the COA Practice Database
Help us Help You by Registering Your Practice With COA
COA has joined forces with CancerCare on a public awareness campaign about the urgency of getting cancer screenings back on track. This campaign features public service announcements (PSAs) with a major celebrity, providing a toll-free hotline and website to connect people who need screenings or care with local options.
Help COA with the campaign by ensuring your practice is included in our practice database! Even if you don’t offer cancer screenings, providing contact information for your practice location(s) will help us refer people who need quality, compassionate care.
- Please take a few minutes to confirm or add your practice location information in our handy web tool: https://register.communityoncology.org/
Policy Updates & Perspectives
Community Oncology News of Note
SCOTUS: Site Neutral Payments Remain
The Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal of the site-neutral payment policy instituted by HHS. The policy is intended to reduce payment disparities between outpatient hospital facilities and independent physician practices who provide the same service.
Is it Deja Vu at the Innovation Center?
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center (CMMI) was created to test new, promising health care payment and delivery models. Unfortunately, it’s been used as a way for administrations to skirt Congress. In his recent op-ed, COA’s Executive Director Ted Okon argues that the Innovation Center should refocus on its original mission.
- Read ‘Is It Déjà Vu All Over Again at the Medicare & Medicaid Innovation Center?’ in Morning Consult.
How Oncology Practices Weathered the Pandemic
The predictions for the pandemic’s effects on community oncology were not pretty. Experts calculated that the steep declines in screening and treatment visits would strain an already burdened system, causing many practices to close.
The pandemic is subsiding, and practices have largely survived due to their innovative spirit and ability to adapt. Medscape talked to several COA members about their pandemic experiences, how they continued to treat patients, and what they foresee in the near future.
Register for the 2021 Community Oncology Advocacy Summit
Getting Back Into the Advocacy Groove
2020 put a damper on advocacy as community oncology advocates of all stripes focused on the safety and continuity of cancer care during an unprecedented time. As the pandemic recedes, advocates are gearing up for a renewed push at the state and federal levels.
Join hundreds of other advocates in shaking off the rust at the 2021Virtual Community Oncology Advocacy Summit on July 21 at 10 a.m. ET. Experts in legislation, communication, and treatment will get advocates up to speed on the latest in the field and the best ways to get your message out there.
Resource Spotlight: Community Oncology Pharmacy Association
Share, Learn, and Network with Practice Professionals
An increasing number of oncolytic drugs are administered orally, meaning that they can be dispensed at community oncology clinics. However, the field is constantly changing with new best practices, challenges, and improved tools.
COPA is a free network for oncology pharmacy professionals looking to improve the patient experience. COPA members have access to resource sharing sites, a listserv of other professionals, and more. In a time of changing regulations and pandemic restrictions, access to a network of like-minded professionals is crucial to success.
