MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Community Oncology Alliance, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care for all Americans battling cancer, announced today its support for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Chemotherapy Demonstration Project at current funding levels for calendar year (CY) 2005. The one-year demonstration project is associated with certain chemotherapy services for cancer patients furnished for the purposes of enhancing symptom management. Participating practitioners provide and document specified services related to pain, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Resulting data will be used to tailor treatment options and trace outcomes from such care by the CMS.
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA), which represents cancer clinics caring for over 80% of the nation's cancer patients, is comprised of medical oncologists, oncology nurses, clinical staff, practice administrators, patients, caregivers, and community cancer leaders throughout the United States. Community Oncology provides cancer care at the lowest cost while providing the highest quality, best outcomes, and broadest access to care -- in the patient's home community.
According to COA, Medicare funding for cancer care will be decreased by $400-500 million as the chemotherapy demonstration project expires at the end of 2005. A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study commissioned by COA shows that an estimated $13 billion will be saved from Medicare spending for cancer care through 2013. This is $8.8 billion more than the original intent of Congress in passing the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). COA President Leonard Kalman, MD states, "The chemotherapy demonstration project is the necessary bridge created by CMS while the Congress and CMS work towards a permanent solution for oncology reimbursement. Congress and CMS are expected to implement more changes in 2006 that will go into effect in 2007. Thus, there is a need to extend the demonstration project through the end of 2006."
Ted Okon, Co-Executive Director of COA states, "COA was created to work with the Congress to modernize the cancer care reimbursement system in a manner that does not disrupt patient care. Unfortunately, we are seeing a ratcheting down of reimbursement for drugs, without an appropriate balanced increase on the essential services reimbursement. The demonstration project has helped ensure balanced reform. COA analysis indicates that many oncologists are now in the red zone where they can no longer afford to treat every patient. This will result in patients being shifted to hospitals, which is a major step back in the war on cancer."
On September 14, 2005, cancer survivors, oncologists, oncology nurses, administrators, patients, and caregivers from around the country will rally in the fourth Annual National Cancer Care Rally which will be led by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) at the Nation's Capitol Building. During the rally, COA hopes to convey its message to Congress that the current system of providing cancer care in the community is the best cancer care at the lowest cost setting, and that the new Medicare cuts have the potential of undermining the world's most advanced cancer care delivery system. Members of Congress and other dignitaries are expected to address the events held in Washington.
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) a grassroots organization committed to fostering and protecting high quality, affordable and accessible cancer care for all Americans battling cancer. COA's vision is to strongly promote initiatives that further enhance the quality and affordability of cancer care, which along with accessibility have been hallmarks of cancer treatment delivered in the community setting. For additional information, visit: http://www.communityoncology.org .
Contact Information: Community Oncology Alliance Deborah D. Coble, Press Officer 901-683-0055x1312 901-831-1010 Cell. dcoble@westclinic.com Steven M. Coplon, Co-Executive Director 901-683-0055x1119 scoplon@westclinic.com
The Community Oncology AllianceCONTACT: Deborah D. Coble, Press Officer, +1-901-683-0055, x1312,+1-901-831-1010 Cell, dcoble@westclinic.com, or Steven M. Coplon,Co-Executive Director, +1-901-683-0055, x1119, scoplon@westclinic.com, bothof the Community Oncology Alliance
Web site: http://www.communityoncology.org/