(ASCO in Action) June 26, 2017 - ASCO’s delegates participated in the American Medical Association’s (AMA) annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting to advocate on behalf of oncologists and patients with cancer on issues including utilization management, MACRA implementation, access to health insurance, and opioids.
Thomas Marsland, MD (Posted: June 28, 2017)
What a good looking group. Think I actually recognize a couple of them..... Indeed it was a good meeting. ASCO really is making itself visible at the AMA. We are truly proud of our own Barbara McAneny who was elected president of the AMA. She is a strong voice for community practices. ASCO heads the Cancer Caucus and helps spearhead resolutions that effect cancer care. But more and more it is clear that "our" issues really are issues that impact all of medicine. One can see from the article that MOC, MACRA, opiod abuse and network adequacy are issue effecting not only us but all. What really struct me was the true diversity of our AMA. The House of Delegates has its share of us old white dudes but the mix really is broad based. Doctors of all genders, race, sexual preference, age and political persuasion are represented. Resolutions are hotly debated since clearly such a diverse group has many opinions. The debates are always polite, respectful and comprehensive. The speakers of the house do a great job "herding cats." In the end resolutions are accepted by vote with majority rules. The main driving motivation of all of us there really is we all want the best patient care. Our national leaders could take a good lesson from the AMA House. I would encourage folks to consider joining the AMA. It really does do a good job of addressing issue critical to all of us.... 
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) June 16, 2017 - At Grady Memorial Hospital, where Atlanta’s poor and uninsured are welcomed, the pharmacy charges most patients $5 or less for outpatient medications that treat everything from diabetes to cancer.
Winston Wong, PharmD (Posted: June 20, 2017)
The article points out the biggest concern associated with the so-called abuse of the 340B program. As noted, the 340B program was intended to provide care to the poor. As such, while the institution requires a 51% discount on medications, the institution can bill the patient's insurer for the normal negotiated amount, thus allowing the institution to use the margin to help subsidize the care provided. Technically, the institution is suppose to bill for medications used for the poor only, but that has expanded to a larger population as noted. This is a pretty accurate description of the abuse that is taking place, which is contributing to the high cost of drugs. There has been talk of tightening the system up for years, but it has yet to happen.
(Flatiron Health) June 13, 2017 - Flatiron Health today announced expanded partnerships with some of the nation’s largest independent community oncology practices using the first EHR-embedded technology solution for the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Oncology Care Model (OCM).
Thomas Marsland, MD (Posted: June 20, 2017)
I had the opportunity to sit in on a presentation on OCM at the recent annual meeting in Chicago. It was clear from all the presentations that to transition from the traditional volume based compensation model to one based on value and clinical outcome that a robust IT platform is critical. We need to collect, review, and react on multiple data points in determining quality outcome and cost. The Flatiron program looks to fulfill those requirements. It does not surprise me to see Jeff and Bill leading the way... I would expect nothing less...
Professor and Director, Division of Hematology Oncology...
