Virtual meeting option available for RPT and H&N, ASTRO sends priorities letter to Hill From
February 18, 2026
| Two great meetings offered virtually and at a savings! |
| Ready to learn the latest about radiopharmaceutical therapy and/or head and neck cancers? We have two great multidisciplinary meetings that you can still participate in!
💻 Multidisciplinary Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Symposium – February 17-18; livestream access today and onDemand access for two years. 💻 Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancers Symposium – February 19-21; livestream access starts tomorrow and onDemand access for two years. Register and save on the Virtual Full Conference option for the Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Symposium by 2:00 p.m. Eastern time today and/or register and save on the Virtual Full Conference option for the Head and Neck Symposium by 9:15 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday, February 21. If you register for both meetings, whether in person or virtual, you’ll receive 25% off your registration for the second meeting. |
| Abstract submissions including Late-breaking abstract shells due next Tuesday |
| New this year, ASTRO is accepting shell submissions for late-breaking abstracts at the same time as standard abstract submissions. All abstract submissions are due on Tuesday, February 24. There will not be a separate submission period for late-breaking abstracts. Learn more in this recent video from ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, and be sure to submit your work for consideration at ASTRO 2026 by next Tuesday! |
| SPRO hosts Focus on Palliation Virtual Symposium |
| The Society of Palliative Radiation Oncology (SPRO) invites ASTRO members to the Focus on Palliation 2026 Virtual Symposium, February 25, 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The program will highlight updates and advances in palliative radiotherapy, including a presentation competition with awards, keynote and networking opportunities. CME credit will be available through Duke University. Register for this free event! |
| ASTRO letter to Congress outlines 2026 priorities, highlighting ROCR |
| On February 10 ASTRO sent a letter to Capitol Hill urging that lawmakers prioritize reforming Medicare reimbursement by passing ROCR, hold Medicare Advantage insurers accountable by reforming prior authorization, and ensure the federal government maintains a robust investment in radiation research programs. Read What’s Happening in Washington for more. |
| Pricing updates for new treatment delivery codes with commercial payers |
| ASTRO has been receiving feedback from members about low reimbursement rates for the new/updated treatment delivery codes from various commercial payers. It is critical that hospital systems update their chargemasters to reflect the updated delivery codes 77402-77412. Freestanding centers should be working directly with their contracted payers to have pricing updated to reflect these code changes. Commercial contracts referencing old CPTs could result in underpayment unless renegotiated or interpreted via crosswalks. For more information, see What’s Happening in Washington. |
| Bipartisan House Bill will delay CMS’s “Efficiency” Adjustment Cuts |
| Bipartisan House lawmakers introduced ASTRO-supported legislation February 12 that would delay implementation of the efficiency adjustment cuts until at least 2030, with requirements for a report to Congress and other limitations on potential implementation. ASTRO is the only radiation oncology specialty society listed among the 30 organizations supporting the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (HR.7520), which would protect physician reimbursement from an across-the-board 2.5% reduction to work relative value units (RVUs). Please visit What’s Happening in Washington for more. |
| ASTRO Advocacy Day: Be heard where it matters most! | |
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Join us in Washington, DC, on April 27 and 28, for your chance to meet directly with Senators, Representatives and their staff on the policies shaping radiation oncology. During this two-day commitment, you’ll gain insights from policy experts, sharpen your skills with Hill training, and then put them into action during Capitol Hill meetings the following day. Connect with colleagues from across the country and help advance the field. Register now (Please note that all applications must go through an approval process before an applicant will be confirmed as an Advocacy Day registrant)! Also, reserve your housing before the discounted hotel group rate ends on March 23. |
| ASTRO’s first Functional Radiation Medicine Grand Rounds |
| The first session of Grand Rounds, organized by ASTRO’s new Functional Radiation Medicine Task Force will be held Thursday, February 26, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time (please note the updated date). A multidisciplinary team of radiation oncology, rheumatology and hand surgery experts based in Australia will explore aspects of the overall management of osteoarthritis and Dupuytren’s disease. Register today and attend this inaugural event! |
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| New ASTRO President's Spotlight: Onyinye Balogun, MD |
| Enjoy this latest conversation between ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, and Onyinye Balogun, MD, Northwell Health, who specializes in gynecologic cancers. See how Dr. Balogun espouses the advice she gives mentees to not be their own “rate-limiting step.” She shares her engagement in research across multiple domains including the Dartmouth 3D Clinical Scholars Program, the Genome Center, and research based out of Zambia, Nigeria, to name a few. Interest piqued? Have a listen! |
