CANCER BUZZ

To get paid for oncology services rendered, correct coding and billing are essential. For oncology leaders, this means paying attention to the big picture, as well as keeping up with ongoing policy and regulatory changes. In this episode, Teri Bedard covers current Medicare supervisory oversight requirements, why site of service matters, and where to go for "need to know" oncology coding and billi...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected treatment planning and shared decision-making for individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In this episode, we'll discuss how patient education has become even more critical as the pandemic recedes and restrictions loosen.  Hear specific tactics to help patients better retain and ensure understanding of what is communicated during their education appointmen...

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled rapid uptake of telehealth across healthcare. In this episode, we talk with an experienced cancer center information technology (IT) professional about how the role of the IT professional in quality, patient-centered cancer care delivery and what lies ahead.  Guest: Brian Dunn Unified Communications Engineer for Tele-Oncology UVA Health, Karen S. Rheuban Center for...

Increasing diversity and equity in clinical trials will require buy-in and commitment from all stakeholders in the research enterprise. In this episode, Colleen Lewis, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, talks about the critical role oncology advanced practitioners can play in moving the needle on equity and inclusion in cancer clinical trials.   In spring 2021, ACCC and Harborside hosted a Virtual Summit to Defi...

As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, mask mandates recede, and pandemic-related restrictions ease, multiple myeloma care teams and patients are moving through transitioning environments—in the clinic, at home, and in their community. In this episode, insights from specialists in multiple myeloma care point to resources and tools that may help providers and patients move smoothly through this time of...

On this inaugural episode of CANCER BUZZ TV, we sat down with ACCC President Krista Nelson, an oncology social worker at Providence Cancer Institute, where she shared how her personal experiences during the pandemic—and those of her colleagues and patients—deeply impacted her and influenced the development of her 2021-2022 ACCC President's Theme, 'Real-World Lessons from COVID-19: Driving Oncology...

When COVID-19 started to spread across the country, Montefiore Health System in the Bronx, New York, was at the epicenter, with more than 4,000 simultaneously hospitalized patients at one point. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ, we'll delve into the dramatic changes in care delivery this medical center underwent during the pandemic, lessons learned along the way that will help pave their way forward...

On this episode of the CANCER BUZZ podcast, we'll explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial health of cancer programs and practices across the country, from lower patient volume and screening interventions and decreased revenue streams. Guest : Douglas B. Flora, MD, LSSBB, Executive Medical Director, Oncology Services, St. Elizabeth Healthcare , Independence, Kentucky Related Co...

This episode of CANCER BUZZ explores challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and as pandemic restrictions are lifted, considerations for keeping these patients as safe as possible.  Guest: Christopher D'Andrea, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Center Webinars Learning from COVID-19: Coping Strategies for CLL Provider...

Long lagging in acceptance from providers, patients, and payers, telehealth has undergone a renaissance in use due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, enabling millions of peopleto receive care remotely for the first time. Patient advocates who had lobbied for the reimbursement of remote care for years saw a drastic reversal of policies, with public and private payers suspending their rules which had previou...

Five years ago, the FDA approved the first liquid biopsy test for use in patients with cancer, providing cancer teams and patients a less invasive and more efficient way to detect disease. But liquid biopsies aren't cheap, and reimbursement for them can be unpredictable and confusing. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , learn about the current clinical applications of liquid biopsies, associated reim...

Spiritual care teams can play a significant role in helping patients with cancer manage their fear and find a sense of peace. On this mini-podcast, learn why spiritual care is essential to comprehensive, high-quality cancer care, and discover how the administration of spiritual services has changed during  the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest: Rev. Lori A. McKinley, MDiv, BCC, Chaplain; Director of Missio...

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become a much wider practice, enabling millions to receive care at home. Genetic screening, testing, and counseling are particularly amenable to telehealth, but their future remains to be seen. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , we look at how genetic healthcare services have adapted to virtual delivery, and what challenges face its widespread...

Palliative care isn't just about the end of life, it's also about improving the quality of life for patients and caregivers—but challenges exist for minority groups in accessing palliative services. On this mini-podcast, learn about the cultural and logistical barriers to end-of-life health equity and discover strategies that programs can implement to both address palliative care earlier in the ca...

From unethical experimentation to systematic exclusion, racism has played a terrible role in the development of American healthcare. On this mini-podcast, we discuss how the legacy of clinical trials continues to affect today's research, and share strategies for cancer programs to effectively communicate with underrepresented and marginalized populations.  Guest: Christopher Lathan, MD, MS, MPH, M...

Oral anti-cancer medications are one of the most important recent developments in oncology: less invasive than infusions, able to be taken at home, and offering more independence to patients. But if treatment isn't coordinated properly, issues with safety and adherence can impact patient outcomes. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , learn how the entire cancer care team can help in promoting safe ora...

In healthcare, Implicit and unconscious bias can manifest in many ways. On this mini-podcast, discover what steps cancer programs can take to build trust with patients from marginalized and underrepresented groups and ensure a more equitable and accessible healthcare environment. Guest: Nadine Barrett, PhD, MA, MS , Director, Office of Health Equity and Disparities, Duke Cancer Institute ; Directo...

Sexual and gender minority patients with cancer experience health disparities that impact access to screening and treatment—and can have worse outcomes as a result. On this mini-podcast, we explore the barriers and challenges that LGBTQ+ patients with cancer face, and how cancer programs can make their care more inclusive. Guest: Rosemary Thomas, MPH, CHES , Director of Operations, Penn Medicine C...

Long lagging in acceptance from providers, payers, and patients, telehealth has undergone a renaissance in 2020, enabling millions of people to receive healthcare in the safety of their homes when it was too dangerous to venture outside. Now that the genie is out of the bottle, the healthcare industry wants to know: What is the future of telehealth in a post-pandemic world? In this episode of CANC...

Friends, family, and loved ones are essential parts of a patient's support system, but COVID-19 has altered their access to the care process and to care providers. On this mini-podcast, learn how the role of caregivers has changed during the pandemic, and how the cancer team can provide caregivers with guidance on taking care of patients with cancer. Guest: Lawrence D. Wagman, MD, Surgical Oncolog...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every corner of American cancer care—including psychosocial services. On this mini-podcast, we explore how patients are dealing with the "new normal," and how oncology social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists are working to help them through an unprecedented time. Guest: Jeffrey Kendall, PsyD, LP , Director of Oncology Support Services, University of Minn...

The redirection of T cells against tumors holds significant promise for the treatment of cancer. Two main approaches for T-cell redirection involve their genetic modification with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or the use of bispecific antibodies that can bind to two different antigens simultaneously. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , learn about these promising breakthroughs, the challenges faci...

As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we take a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lung screenings across the country and how oncology teams are adapting their outreach and education to reach as many people as possible. Guest: Jennifer Aversano, MSN, RN, OCN, BMTCN , Oncology Nurse Navigator, Oncology Administration; Lung Cancer Screening Navigator, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital...

As the number of oral anti-cancer medications continues to grow, so do new challenges in education, care delivery, and patient adherence to treatment. Additionally, dispensing requirements from manufacturers, payers, and regulators continue to change as healthcare transitions to a value-based care environment. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , learn about the role of the interdisciplinary cancer te...

On this mini-podcast, we mark the beginning of Lung Cancer Awareness Month by looking at the present landscape for the diagnosis and treatment of one of the most common cancers in the world. Guest: Deepti Behl, MD , Medical Director, Sutter Institute for Medical Research ; Medical Director, Thoracic Oncology, Sutter Medical Center Related Content: ACCC Cancer Types: Lung Cancer Improving Care Coor...