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Patient advocacy groups urge physician pay relief

November 28, 2022

Cancer patient advocacy groups echoed ASTRO’s priorities in a November 22 letter urging Congress to intervene to stop Medicare physician payment cuts this year. ASTRO is grateful that the Cancer Leadership Council (CLC), including groups such as Susan G. Komen, Prevent Cancer Foundation, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, highlighted cuts to oncology care among priorities, including prior authorization reform, for year-end legislation.

“We are concerned that the payment changes will be significant enough to affect the delivery of cancer care in many areas,” the letter said, while specifically citing cuts from the Medicare physician fee schedule, including the clinical labor price update, that will impact radiation oncology starting January 1, 2023. ASTRO was also pleased that CLC urged Congress to increase cancer research funding for the National Cancer Institute and pass language encouraging clinical diversity, among other requests from the 15 groups signing the letter.

The letter follows on an ASTRO-led radiation oncology stakeholder letter sent to Congress November 21.  Congress is likely to deliberate through the month of December on a year-end package, and ASTRO will continue advocating for legislation to support radiation oncology and cancer patients. Add your voice by contacting Congress today!

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