Nearly 80 radiation oncologists and residents from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders and staff May 22-23 for ASTRO Advocacy Day. Attendees had nearly 100 meetings with Members of Congress and staff to call for continued support of patients and radiation oncology clinics, with an emphasis on three legislative priorities:

• Support stability, access, value, and equity (S.A.V.E.) in Medicare payment policy because fee-for-service does not work for radiation oncology;
• Ensure patients and radiation oncologists make care decisions, not insurance companies, and encourage CMS to finalize key prior auth reforms; and
• Increase federal investment in cancer research to improve patient outcomes and seek cures.

Advocates heard expert speakers from Capitol Hill and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health.  ASTRO’s Government Relations Council leaders will be featured during a webinar June 2 recapping the event.