MPFS & HOPPS Proposed Rules issued, ASTRO 2025 keynote, World Radiotherapy Awareness Day
July 16, 2025
| MPFS Proposed Rule released; major changes proposed in radiation therapy coding |
| Monday evening, CMS released the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule for 2026, which estimates a total impact of -1% for radiation oncology. As expected, the proposed rule would implement significant changes in radiation therapy coding for treatment delivery, image guidance and superficial radiation therapy. On Tuesday, CMS released the 2026 Hospital Outpatient Payment Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) Proposed Rule, including a 2.4% payment update. Read ASTRO’s MPFS summary and HOPPS summary for a breakdown and further details on each proposed rule. Additionally, register to attend the August 6 Town Hall to hear more on the rules and related advocacy. |
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ASTRO 2025: Get to know keynote presenter Bobby Mukkamala, MD In a recent interview with Modern Healthcare, Bobby Mukkamala, MD, the recently elected president of the American Medical Association (AMA), discusses his plans for his one-year term. His primary focus, improving patient experience, was inspired by his own journey as he faced diagnosis and treatment for a brain tumor. Join us for the ASTRO Annual Meeting September 27 – October 1, for an opportunity to hear more from Dr. Mukkamala during his keynote, “My Brain Tumor: Why I Got Better Care Than My Neighbors,” on September 29. Register and reserve your housing now for ASTRO 2025! |
| A sneak peek at the sessions presented at this year’s Annual Meeting |
| The scientific program includes 2,000 abstracts presented in a variety of formats including Science Highlights, Quick Pitch sessions and more, with more than 1,750 posters covering cutting-edge research in all the major disease sites. Presenters in both science and education sessions are invited to record a short video to offer a preview their session. Several videos are available for a sneak peek of speakers and their presentations. |
| July 18: Live webinar on special radiation techniques in sarcoma management |
| There are many ongoing advances in radiation therapy for patients with primary soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity/trunk with emerging practice-changing clinical research and new treatment options, some of which are not yet the standard of care. In the third webinar of the Advances in Sarcoma Treatment series, new approaches in the management of sarcoma using radiation therapy are discussed, including novel fractionation schedules, dose strategies and combinations with systemic therapy. Don’t miss the third and final webinar in the series, Special Radiation Techniques in Sarcoma Management, which will be live on July 18 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern time! Plus, when you purchase the series, you’ll receive onDemand access to each webinar. Register now! |
| ASTRO seeks comments on a systematic review |
| The Evidence-based Practice Center Program at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has posted the draft report of a systematic review on Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the comparative benefits and harms of (1) moderate hypofractionation versus conventional fractionation; (2) ultrahypofractionation versus moderate hypofractionation or conventional fractionation; (3) different dose schedules; (4) varying target volumes; and (5) alternative treatment planning and delivery techniques, in adults with localized prostate cancer receiving primary external beam radiation therapy. Your feedback will help improve the relevance of the review which will be used as the foundation for ASTRO’s guideline replacement. It is available for your review and feedback until August 29. |
| Get involved to make the first ever World Radiotherapy Awareness Day a resounding success | |
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The first-ever World Radiotherapy Awareness Day (WRAD) launches this September 7, the date the first patient was treated on a linear accelerator. WRAD’s theme is “One Voice for Radiotherapy.” The day will include a number of endeavors including live and virtual events, social media promotions, print and broadcast announcements and stories in the media. Please consider how to make this inaugural WRAD an overwhelming success, including sharing with your colleagues and thinking about what your clinic or institution can do to promote WRAD this and every September 7. |
| Thursday, July 17, is Brachytherapy Awareness Day |
| ASTRO is pleased to join medical societies from around the world to raise awareness of this highly targeted form of radiation therapy. For more information and answers to frequently asked patient questions, visit the American Brachytherapy site. |
| Register now for the ROI 5k at the ASTRO Annual Meeting | |
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Register for the ROI 5k, powered by Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company, for one of the most anticipated events at the ASTRO Annual Meeting! Whether you're a runner or a relaxed walker, this fun, non-competitive 5k offers two flexible ways to participate:
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