Complete Coding Denials Survey, ASTRO Awards applications deadlines, Annual Refresher Course
March 18, 2026
| Reminder: Share your experience with the revised radiation oncology delivery codes |
| Last week, ASTRO launched a brief, six-question survey to gauge the impact of recent changes to radiation oncology delivery codes nationwide, and there is still time to participate. ASTRO is actively working with payers to lower coverage barriers, communicating concerns with policymakers, and providing resources to help practices implement the revised codes. We need to better understand how these changes are affecting you and your patients to advocate forcefully on your behalf. 📋 Please fill out the survey by this Friday, March 20, and continue to report inappropriate denials and payer issues. You can also reference the Payer Support and Resolution Center for additional actions and info. |
| Report: NCI delays research grant funding |
| The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded just one new research grant since FY26 started in October 2025 apart from faculty transfers and non-competing continuations, according to a Bloomberg news report on an analysis of NIH's database. NCI received $7.4 billion (a $180 million increase) in a FY26 spending bill passed by Congress last month, but there are concerns about the agency getting funds out the door in a timely manner. See more at What's Happening in Washington. |
| 2026 EAGL awardees announced |
| ASTRO is pleased to recognize the Emerging Advocacy Grassroots Leadership (EAGL) grantees, and are looking forward to welcoming them to Washington, DC, April 27 and 28 to participate in Advocacy Day 2026. See the list of awardees. For everyone else planning to attend Advocacy Day, make sure to register now and to reserve your housing before the discounted hotel group rate ends March 23. |
| Member Spotlight: The multi-pronged approach of Chika Madu, MD, FASTRO |
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| ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, speaks with Chika Madu, MD, FASTRO, chair of the Advocacy Committee for ASTRO’s Health Access and Community Engagement Council and Chair of Radiation Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. Hear more about Dr. Madu's leadership on numerous ASTRO committees over the years and how saying yes can lead to great opportunities. Watch the video. |
| Call for nominees for ASTRO Elections |
ASTRO's Nominating Committee will soon begin the process of selecting candidates for the 2026 elections for the following available positions:
To provide a recommendation, review the Criteria for Elected Positions and send the required information by email to the ASTRO Nominating Committee by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, this Friday, March 20. |
| Nomination period open for Gold Medal |
| Submit nominations for ASTRO’s highest honor, the Gold Medal, bestowed on ASTRO members who have made outstanding contributions to the field, including research, clinical care, teaching and service. Please submit your nomination, including the nominee’s curriculum vitae and letters of support from two ASTRO Active members, by April 10. |
| ASTRO Fellows applications are open |
| Applications are open for the 2025 ASTRO Fellow (FASTRO) designation, and now is the time to review the requirements and prepare the materials, due May 1. |
| Virtual Annual Refresher Course – Registration will be open throughout the course! |
| The 2026 ASTRO Virtual Annual Refresher Course is designed for all career stages, and this live interactive program will deliver a comprehensive review of the core disease sites alongside emerging technologies shaping daily practice. Furthermore, it offers the opportunity to earn up to 19.5 continuing education credits — without leaving your clinic. Last minute pivots are welcome, you can join at any point of the course! Register now! |
| Will you be at the AAPM Spring Clinical Meeting? Meet an APEx rep face-to face! |
| Looking to learn more about APEx? Interested in becoming an APEx surveyor? Stop by the ASTRO Booth #116 at AAPM’s Spring Clinical Meeting to chat with ASTRO’s Rebecca Geiger about the APEx practice accreditation program and our new radiopharmaceutical designation. |
