KYSCO is dedicated to ensuring you stay informed during the COVID-19 crisis. Click above to find all of the latest resources from ASCO, ASH, COA, HOSS, and important Industry News related to the crisis.
The Kentucky Society of Clinical Oncology (KYSCO) represents physicians that specialize in the practice of Hematology and Oncology (blood disorders and cancer). KYSCO is a non-profit corporation formed to address the growing needs of oncologists and hematologists in community practice in Kentucky.
The site provides useful information about the Society, reimbursement issues, legislative updates and upcoming KYSCO events and educational programs. We encourage you to browse the site and welcome your suggestions or comments.
Membership in KYSCO
Membership in KYSCO is open to practicing oncologists and hematologists in Kentucky, their staff, academic institutions and corporate entities involved in the care and treatment of cancer patients.
KYSCO serves as an important representative for you and your profession with legislators, government agencies and insurers. We provide a united voice on issues affecting the future of the profession. In order to obtain our goals, the society needs your support. You are a vital link to the success of the organization, which ultimately will impact the profession. Find out More.
KYSCO is happy to have partnered with NCODA to present their most recent webinars. You can watch all five parts of the COVID-19 series and a special ASCO/NCODA webinar on Patient-Centered Standards for Medically Integrated Dispensing by clicking HERE.
COVID-19 NEWS AND INFORMATION - FREQUENTLY UPDATED
Click here for information, resources, and programs related to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PROVIDERSFROM THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
As of January 1, 2021, there were significant changes to the office and outpatient Evaluation and Management (E&M) services (CPT ® codes 99202-99215) for both new and established patients. Find out more
Updated Recommendations on COVID-19 Vaccine Third Doses from NCCN
The National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network (NCCN), a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers, yesterday announced significant updates to the NCCN: Cancer and COVID-19 Vaccination guidance. This is the fourth version of NCCN's COVID-19 vaccination guide and incorporates the latest data plus recent approvals from the FDA and CDC regarding a third mRNA vaccine dose for immunocompromised people. The updated guidance is available for free at NCCN.org/covid-19.
CMS has announced that the federally supported website that makes it easier for individuals to access COVID-19 vaccines is now live. Vaccines.gov – powered by the trusted VaccineFinder brand – is available in English and Spanish, with high accessibility standard, and will help connect Americans with locations offering vaccines near them. In addition to the website, people in the U.S. are also now able to utilize a text message service, available in both English and Spanish. People can text their ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX) and 822862 (VACUNA) to find three locations nearby that have vaccines available.
Vaccines.gov is meant to complement the number of state and pharmacy websites that have been successfully connecting many Americans with vaccinations, by providing a unified federal resource for Americans to use no matter where they are.
In addition to the website and text messaging service, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Hotline is now available to help those who prefer to get information by phone on where to get a vaccine. Call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location near you.
CDER Drug Safety Priorities 2021 Report
The CDER Drug Safety Priorities 2021 report details CDER's work to manage drug safety issues through modernized safety surveillance methods and innovative responses to safety concerns. The report highlights key safety-related milestones and accomplishments of 2021, as well as the many ways in which CDER has continued to be involved in promoting and protecting public health during the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The report focuses on the programs and initiatives at the core of CDER's drug safety operations, including the FDA Adverse Event Reporting Systems, the Sentinel System, and the Safe Use Initiative. It also features ongoing activities to address the national opioid crisis and misuse and abuse of other substances, work in addressing unexpected -- and potentially cancer-causing -- impurities in medicines, use of a broad range of communications tools and technologies such as Drug Safety Communications to transparently communicate drug safety to the public, and research being conducted CDER-wide to better understand drug safety risks.
Drug Safety Communication
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a possible increased risk of death with the cancer medicine Ukoniq (umbralisib) approved to treat two specific types of lymphomas, which are cancers that affect the body’s immune system. We determined that initial findings from a clinical trial evaluating Ukoniq to treat a related type of cancer found a possible increased risk of death in patients taking the medicine. Because of the seriousness of this safety concern and the similarities between the two types of cancer for which this drug is approved and the type of cancer that was studied in the clinical trial, we are alerting patients and health care professionals that we are re-evaluating this risk against the benefits of Ukoniq for its approved uses.
ASH Virtual Listening Sessions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The ASH Virtual Listening Sessions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will explore issues facing those from backgrounds traditionally disadvantaged in medicine, as well as DEI opportunities in the hematology community. ASH is currently seeking participants willing to share their thoughts and experiences on DEI issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, ability, and/or sexual orientation for the first set of listening sessions. ASH members interested in participating in the listening sessions are encouraged to sign up soon as we anticipate significant interest.
The 2021 State Cancer Fact Sheets for all fifty states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are now available on myAffiliates and ASCO’s webpage. The fact sheets contain key cancer and health care data from each state and highlight the impact of NIH funding in your state. These fact sheets are useful background materials for meetings with legislative staff and can aid your advocacy efforts. Contact grassroots@asco.org for help with coordinating your advocacy activities.
