Samyukta Mullangi: In 2023, CMS issued new guidance that betrays a deep degree of misinformation about the modern cancer therapeutic landscape
Samyukta Mullangi, Medical Oncologist at Tennessee Oncology and Medical Director at Thyme Care, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“In 2023, CMS issued new guidance such that specialty pharmacies embedded into community oncology clinics were suddenly handicapped from shipping oral anticancer meds to patients’ homes by mail or courier. Pharmacies couldn’t even dispense a medication to patient’s loved one if someone was too sick to come pick up their Rx in person!
This regulation is completely misguided, and betrays a deep degree of misinformation about the modern cancer therapeutic landscape (25% of all cancer drugs are now oral, and can be just as toxic or more than infusion counterparts). It most hurts the truly vulnerable fraction of our patients – rural, isolated, lacking transportation.
Seeking reform on this very important issue – our thoughts now in JCO OP with Stephen Schleicher, Lalan Wilfong, Anshu Jain, Tennessee Oncology, Thyme Care, Community Oncology Alliance, OneOncology.”
Quoting Stephen Schleicher’s post:
“Important editorial published today by Samyukta Mullangi, Lalan Wilfong and Anshu Jain about the significant negative impact and disparities created for rural patients with cancer due to an integrated pharmacy’s inability to ship oral cancer medications to patients homes anymore after the end of the PHE.
This is a significant step backwards for patients with cancer and is all the result of a Medicare FAQ about whether or not orthotics can be shipped to patients’ homes (yet somehow cancer medications got included!).
A fix to this misguided regulation is being considered by members of Congress right now. Please let your elected Congressperson know about this important issue and ask them to support HR 5526 to remedy it.”
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Source: Samyukta Mullangi/LinkedIn