The ABCs of Providing the Initial Preventive Physical Examination
The ABCs of Providing the Initial Preventive Physical Examination quick reference chart is now available in hardcopy. This two-sided laminated chart can be used by Medicare fee-for-service physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners as a guide when providing the initial preventive physical examination. This chart identifies the components and elements of the IPPE, and provides eligibility requirements, procedure codes to use when filing claims, FAQs, suggestions for preparing patients for the IPPE, and lists references for additional information.

Did you know that the Nurse Practitioner SIG provides a formal mentoring program for oncology nurse professionals? Joining is easy. To enroll, visit www.3creekmentoring.com/ONS to start the process. Select the mentoring program of interest as well as the following codes when creating a profile:

Mentee group code: 532398
Mentor group code: 361812

Mentoring relationships officially begin once a mentee contacts a prospective mentor (through the online program) and both parties agree to a mentoring arrangement. These relationships are ongoing with the majority of communication occurring by email and through the online program. However, mentors and mentees may also connect in-person or by telephone (at their own expense) as deemed appropriate and convenient for them.

Mentoring relationships can be either short or long in duration. However, participants should be willing to make a minimum commitment of two hours per month to the program. If at anytime an arrangement is not meeting the desired expectations, a mentor or mentee can be paired with another member participating in the program.

Please direct any questions to membership@ons.org.

The ONS annual elections are approaching on January 2, 2009!

IMPORTANT NOTE TO THOSE SIGs HOLDING ELECTIONS IN 2009
Beginning in 2009, SIG elections will be incorporated into the national ONS elections. Voting will take place electronically for everyone with a valid email address. Those without a valid email address will receive a paper ballot.

Please visit the ONS Elections Web Site to learn about the candidates for President-Elect, Treasurer, Board of Directors (2), and Nominating Committee.

Your vote DOES make a difference!... Why?

• It demonstrates your concern about ONS and the future of oncology nursing.
• It strengthens ONS's participation in national dialogues on health care policy.
• It recognizes the talents, hard work, and commitment of the candidates.
• It represents a very important person--a knowledgeable, compassionate oncology nurse!

Electronic Voting Tutorial
Voting electronically is easy! Learn how it's done, so you will be prepared on January 2nd.

Letters from Candidates to Chapters