ANCO COVID-19 Updates & Resources
The Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO) is monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is committed to providing the membership the best possible information with which to make clinical and personal well-being decisions. Information is provided below about:
CMA has published templates for communicating with patients about reopening
after the COVID-19 shut down.
ASCO SPECIAL REPORT:
A GUIDE TO CANCER CARE DELIVERY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
This ASCO Special Report provides detailed guidance to oncology practices on the immediate and short-term steps that could be taken to help protect the safety of patients and healthcare staff before resuming more routine care operations during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
COVID-19 AND CANCER: ADDRESSING A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN CRISIS
ASCO’s Presscast announcing the results of a survey that tracked the initial impact of COVID-19 on cancer clinical trials, highlighting a new research initiative to address the data gap on the coronavirus’ effect on individuals with cancer, and setting forth a road to recovery as the cancer care delivery system prepares for life after the pandemic.
CMA’s BEST PRACTICES FOR REOPENING A MEDICAL PRACTICE
A set of best practices for physicians looking to reopen their medical practices and health care facilities that provide practical advice for moving forward cautiously and safely.
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
GUIDELINES FOR RESUMING CALIFORNIA’S DEFERRED
AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
FOR PHYSICIANS AND PRACTICES IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
ASCO is providing this resource guide to assist members in accessing critical support needed to sustain the care of their patients with cancer. The information is subject to change as federal agencies continue to update and provide clarifying guidance on these programs, and as new legislation is enacted by Congress and the White House. Decisions about which option(s) to pursue will depend on your individual practice situation. ASCO recommends that you consult with your financial advisor about the options outlined in the guide.
CMA’s CARE 4 CAREGIVERS
COVID-19 has increased more than ever before the burdens on physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and other healthcare professionals across the state. In response, CMA and it’s Physician Wellness Program have launched Care 4 Caregivers, which links healthcare workers in need to peer coaches who can provide much needed care.
ASCO REGISTRY
The ASCO Survey on COVID-19 in Oncology Registry (ASCO Registry) aims to help the cancer community learn more about the patterns of symptoms and severity of COVID-19 among patients with cancer, as well as how COVID-19 is impacting the delivery of cancer care and patient outcomes. The ASCO Registry is designed to collect both baseline and follow-up data on how the virus impacts cancer care and cancer patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic and into 2021.
Learn more and enroll your practice and listen to the podcast.
ASH REGISTY FOR HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCY
ASH Registry for Hematologic Malignancy to help inform care for people with blood cancers. Health care providers: submit your case today to help other providers on the frontline.
Learn more and enter a case.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CANCER ACTION NETWORK SURVEY
ACS-CAN–in partnership with ACCC, ASCO, ONS, AONN and other provider and patient organizations–is conducting a survey to better comprehend how COVID-19 is impacting patients with cancer and their healthcare providers. Please take 10 minutes to tell us how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting your patients and practice. The anonymous, IRB-approved survey closes on Thursday, May 14. You can complete the survey on any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
ACCC’s SURVEY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF OLDER ADULT PATIENTS WITH CANCER—
compared to younger patients—in this era of COVID-19 infections.
Take the survey.
ANCO HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY PRACTICE IMPACT SURVEY
Tell ANCO about the impact COVID-19 has had on your practice.
Take the Survey.
ASCO’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Forum on myConnection facilitates discussion and peer-to-peer practice sharing among ASCO members as the oncology community works to continue to provide high-quality care to people with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic–learn more.
Articles & Podcasts
ASCO Publications has made content from their leading journals and publications freely accessible to assist researchers, medical professionals, policy makers, and others who are working to address this pandemic.
Caring for Patients With Cancer in the Era of Social Distancing: Pros and Cons of Telemedicine (ASCO Connection, June 16)
Widespread Impact of COVID-19 on Cancer Research and Treatment (ASCO Daily News, May 30)
Caring for Patients with Cancer From the Epicenter of the American COVID-19 Outbreak (ASCO Daily News, May 26)
Oncologists Face Clinical and Professional Challenges Amid Coronavirus Pandemic (ASCO Daily News, April 9)
Cancer Treatment in the COVID-10 Era (Journal of Oncology Practice, April 28)
ACCC’s COVID-19 Mini-Podcasts (COVID-19 Conversations with Patients, April 7; COVID-19 Self-Care, March 31; COVID-19 & Oral Oncolytics, April 14; Urban Cancer Cancer During COVID-19, May 12; COVID-19 & Telemedicine; May 19); COVID-19 & Personal Protection (June 16)
ASCO’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Focused on Cancer Care (ASCO Daily News, April 1)
COVID-19: How to Care for Patients With Cancer in a Global Pandemic (Gary Lyman, MD; ASCO Daily News, March 27)
Not Business as Usual: COVID-19 Anxiety in the World of Cancer (Nausheen Ahmed, MD; ASCO Connection, March 19)
Cancer Care in the Time of COVID-19 (Matthew S. Katz, MD; ASCO Connection, March 23)
The Blind Leading the Blind: COVID-19, Cancer, and the Need for More Data (Aakash Desai, MD, MPH, et al; ASCO Daily News, March 25–includes the participation of ANCO Institutional Member physicians at Stanford University and University of California, Davis)
Safety at the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: How to Keep Our Oncology Patients and Healthcare Workers Safe (Pelin Cinar, MD, MS, et al; JNCCN, April 3)
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Webinars & Virtual Meetings
ANCO will post information about any forthcoming webinars and virtual meetings on COVID-19 and cancer care or oncology practice in this section. Any recordings of past webinars appear at the end of this section.
CDC and IDSA’s
Upcoming Webinar: Lung Cancer and COVID-19 in the Outpatient Setting: What Clinicians Need to Know (September 29, 2020)
ASCO-ONS’s Webinar Series: Caring for People with Cancer during COVID-19 Pandemic (archived) shared ideas and approaches for providing the highest quality care to the public during COVID-19.
ACCC’s archived webinars:
What Is It Like to Practice in Hard Hit Areas?
Clinical Trials Amid COVID-19
Telehealth Billing & Coding –Part I
Implementing Telehealth in Response to COVID-19 –Part II
Financial Assistance Amid COVID-19
Managing COVID-19 Positive Patients in the Clinic
Developing a COVID-19 Recovery Plan
Planning Your COVID-19 Testing Strategy
Optimizing Staffing Strategies Amid COVID-19
COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures
ASCO Survey on COVID-19 in Oncology Registry
ASH’s Telehealth During COVID-19 (archived)
COA’s Telehealth Expansion & Oncology Care: What You Need to Know (archived)
CMA’s COVID-19 Webinar Series (archived; Telehealth Reimbursement and Privacy Laws, Employment and Practice Staffing Issues, Implementing Telehealth in Your Practice, Financial Assistance Available to Practices, Tax Impact of the CARES Act: COVID-19 Emergency)
Preparing Your Oncology Clinic for COVID-19 Infections (recorded March 23; this webinar will assist clinical oncologists as they continue to prepare their clinics for the possibility of COVID-19 infections of patients and providers in their institutions and communities)
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The ANCO Office, ANCO Activities, & ASCO Annual Meeting
ANCO staff is working remotely from their homes and is staying away from the office. We made this decision prior to the San Francisco Bay Area (and, now California’s) “shelter-in-place” order being announced and we will comply with that order until it is lifted. ANCO will continue to monitor e-mail and the telephones and will be as responsive as possible.
ANCO COVID-19 Updates will be routinely included in The ANCO Report on Fridays. The California Oncology Weekly will continue to be posted on Tuesdays.
If you missed a session or would like to revisit any sessions from 20th Multidisciplinary Management of Cancers: A Virtual Case-Based Approach (June, 2020) , you can access the recordings online. They are arranged by session title. Additionally, please take a moment to visit our Virtual Exhibit Hall while you are there. Both the recordings and Exhibit Hall will be available to view until July 31st, 2020.
ANCO’s ASCO20 Virtual Highlights will be held on Saturday, August 22.
The Hematologic Malignancies Updates will take place virtually.
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General Coronavirus Information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes What You Need To Know, Resources for the Community, COVID-19 Cases in the U.S., Latest Updates, and Information for Healthcare Professionals.
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Cancer Patient & Clinical Oncology Resources
Healthcare providers in need of PPE can request supplies by filling out a form on the website of Project N95 — a new national clearinghouse for medical equipment. Medical equipment suppliers and government agencies can also visit the website to provide equipment and organize bulk purchase orders.
ASCO Coronavirus Resources is your “home page” for all things cancer and COVID-19. It includes ASCO Program Updates, COVID-19 General Resources, COVID-19 Policy Updates, Care of Individuals with Cancer During COVID-19, Provider & Practice Preparedness for COVID-19, Submit Your Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Related Questions to ASCO. ASCO’s curated resources are being driven by specific member inquiries about the impact of COVID-19 on patient care, oncologists, oncology practices, and ASCO activities and is updated daily.
ASCO’s FAQs on oncology and COVID-19 are updated regularly. ASCO invites cancer care providers to submit questions about issues they are confronting related to the clinical management of patients and resource or workforce constraints they are facing during this challenging time.
ASCO has released a set of recommendations to support the oncology community as health care institutions across the United States face potentially difficult decisions around the allocation of scarce health care resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASCO is aware that people with cancer and cancer survivors, particularly those with compromised immune systems, are likely worried about the potential impact of the novel coronavirus on their health. Dr. Merry Jennifer Markham shares important information about COVID-19, how patients can reduce their risk of exposure, and what to do if they think they have COVID-19 on ASCO’s Cancer.Net (Coronavirus and COVID-19: What People With Cancer Need To Know, Common Questions About COVID-19 and Cancer: Answers for Patients and Survivors).
Cancer.Net’s COVID-19 Financial Resources for People with Cancer
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/financial-considerations/covid-19-financial-resources-people-with-cancer
ASCO asks members to urge Federal lawmakers to increase support for patients and providers amid COVID-19 and to ask your Governor to increase support for patients and providers amid COVID-19.
ASCO’s Financial Support Available to Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic and CMA publishes COVID-19 financial toolkit for physicians.
ASH’s COVID-19 Resources include Resources for Clinicians, COVID-19: General Resources, and Resources for Researchers.
ACCC’s COVID-19 Resource Center features the latest news from ACCC leadership and information from leading healthcare and cancer care organizations including ASCO, AMA, the CDC, and CMS.
The Community Oncology Alliance’s (COA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Practice Resources and Protocols summarizes Federal Government Actions, Resources, and Updates; provides Administrator and Clinical Tools; has Patient-Facing Materials; and, Supplier and Manufacturer Updates. It also has launched a ListServ for Health Care Professionals.
NCCN’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources for the Cancer Care Community include peer-reviewed features in JNCCN; treatment of cancer by site; ; screening and early detection; supportive care; member institution links for more information; and, general information resources. Experts from the Seattle Cancer Center Alliance, an NCCN member institution, have shared lessons learned from early experiences treating people with cancer during the COVID-19 outbreak.
NCCN has posted a Self-Care and Stress Management During the COVID-19 Crisis: Toolkit for Oncology Professionals.
The Oncology Nursing Society’s ONS Information Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has curated resources and information for oncology nurses.
More generally, and from the national perspective, the National Cancer Institute’s Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know answers these questions: What is coronavirus, or COVID-19? If I have cancer, am I at higher risk of getting or dying from COVID-19? If I have cancer, how can I protect myself? If I receive cancer treatment at a medical facility, what should I do about getting treatment? If I participate in a clinical trial at a medical facility, then what should I do? And, what should I do if I have symptoms of an infection?
The California Medical Association’s (CMA) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources provides physicians and health care providers the latest news, research and developments on COVID-19 including links to the California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, and World Health Organization.
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CMS & Noridian/Medicare
CMS revised MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to clarify when you must use modifier CR (catastrophe/disaster related) and/or condition code DR (disaster related) when submitting claims to Medicare. The update includes a chart of blanket waivers and flexibilities that require the modifier or condition code.
New COVID-19 FAQs on Medicare Fee-for-Service Billing
CMS Recommendations–ReOpening Facilities to Non-Emergent Non-COVID-19 Healthcare: Phase I
Review CMS’ updated FAQs to equip the American health care system with maximum flexibility to respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Check this resource often as CMS updates it on a regular basis (with the date at the end of each FAQ when it is new or updated).
CMS’s Dear Clinician Letter outlines a summary of actions CMS has taken to ensure clinicians have maximum flexibility to reduce unnecessary barriers to providing patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: Regulatory Changes, Telehealth Billing, and Specimen Collection Codes
CMS Payment Policies & Regulatory Flexibilities During COVID-19 Emergency outlines coding scenarios and provides a flowchart that outlines CPT reporting for COVID-19 testing (from the AMA).
CMS Current Emergencies Webpage
COVID-19: Accelerated/Advance Payment–CMS is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program and suspending its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers and will not be accepting any new applications for the Advance Payment Program, and will be reevaluating all pending and new applications for Accelerated Payments. Funding will continue to be available to hospitals and other healthcare providers on the front lines of the coronavirus response primarily from the Provider Relief Fund. Learn more from ASCO.
For more information on the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund and how to apply, visit hhs.gov/providerrelief.
COVID-19: Enrollment Relief, Open Payments, Beneficiary Notices (from Noridian)
A Message from Noridian on COVID-19 and Business Continuity
Relief for Clinicians, Providers, Hospitals and Facilities Participating in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19 (from Noridian)
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Telemedicine
ASCO’s COVID-19 Telehealth Update (as of May 8)
ACCC’s CMS Issues Sweeping Regulatory Waivers & Changes to Further Expand Telehealth Options
CMS’s State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit
Telehealth & COVID-10: Latest Updates & Resources (Center for Connected Health Policy, April 30)
CMS Video Providing Answers to Common Questions About the Medicare Telehealth Services Benefit
AMA Publishes Telehealth Coding Guide (from CMA, March 25)
7 Ways COVID-19 is Transforming Telehealth (From ACCCBuzz Blog, June 29)
How to Start Doing Telemedicine Now in the COVID-19 Crisis (from Medscape, March 25)
CMA’s COVID-19 Telehealth Response (from March 20) includes the AMA’s quick guide to physicians and practices in expediting the implementation of telemedicine (including CPT coding guidance from the AMA); Medicare, Medi-Cal Fee-for-Service and Managed Care, and Commercial Plan information; and, COVID-19 Updates from the CMA
CMS’s Telemedicine FAQs, Provider Fact Sheet, and Telehealth Services Booklet (including changes made in response to COVID-19)
CMS expands telehealth services on a temporary and emergency basis (from Bobbi Buell’s E-Reimbursement Newsletter, March 17)
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Clinical Trials
FDA Guidance on Conduct of Clinical Trials of Medical Products during COVID-19 Pandemic
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Practice Management Resources
CMA’s COVID-10 Financial Hardship Survey Results
CMA’s Financial Toolkit for Medical Practices
ASH has created a document outlining new federal resources (financial relief, newly covered telehealth services, changes to HIPAA compliance regulations, and more) available to physicians during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
CMA praises an announcement by Blue Shield of California that the health plan would provide up to $200 million in direct support to physician practices and other health care providers.
Bobbi Buell’s latest E-Reimbursement Newsletter includes The CARES Act: Help Is On The Way and More COVID-19 Changes From CMS and subsequent updates.
Bobbi Buell’s E-Reimbursement Newsletter includes the latest coding updates for COVID-19.
ACCC’s Coronavirus Response includes CMS coverage and payment for COVID-19 information.
The Medical Group Management Association features a COVID-19 Update podcast and COVID-19 action center designed to keep medical group practices apprised of the latest developments that could affect patient care and practice operations.
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Personal & Family Well-Being (for Adults, Parents, and Educational) Resources
ANCO expects our member community of health care professionals and others working in health care to practice the highest level of care. ANCO also urges all members to practice everyday preventive actions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home and call your primary care provider if you have a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.
In addition, to practicing these preventive actions, here are things you can do to support yourself:
- Take care of your body by taking deep breaths, stretching, and/or meditating. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and, avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories including social media. Constantly hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Make time to unwind; try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others and talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
ANCO also recognizes that our physician members, their staffs, and their families are individuals, parents with young children, and children of elderly parents facing the same challenges encountered by their patients in keeping themselves and their loved ones healthy and well during these challenging times. To that end, ANCO has complied this list personal well-being resources for your information–please contact courtney@anco.org to share additional resources (favorite podcast, websites, virtual museums) you have found beneficial.
COVID-19 Vaccine & Patients with Cancer
ASCO’s Covid-19 Vaccine Resource Page
NCCN’s Preliminary Recommendations of the NCCN COVID-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee
Cancer groups urge CDC to prioritize cancer patients for COVID-19 vaccination. Available here
ANCO’s position on prioritizing individuals with a history of cancer
Template Letter to write your representative on prioritizing individuals with a history of cancer. (Please note it will automatically download the word document)
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