ASTRO calls for action in reimbursement crisis, Upcoming Grand Rounds, Mentor Connect
April 22, 2026
| President’s Corner: ASTRO leaders share insights on today’s climate for radiation oncology practices |
| ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, and Board Chair Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, discuss coding and reimbursement changes impacting radiation oncology centers and the urgent need for legislative solutions like the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) program. |
| ASTRO Committee service call for volunteers |
| Don’t miss your chance! ASTRO is currently seeking volunteers interested in serving on its committees and/or subcommittees for the upcoming Society year. Applications are open until May 1, and service will begin on September 29, 2026. Visit the Call for Committee Volunteers online, where you may select up to two committees in order of preference. Volunteers who are selected to serve will be notified by August 1. |
| Reminder: Deadline tomorrow for the ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards |
| Don’t miss your chance to attend ASTRO 2026 with the ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards, available to residents, medical and graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows. Applications are open through tomorrow, April 23. |
| Introducing Mentor Connect: ASTRO’s new and improved mentoring platform |
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| ASTRO is excited to announce the launch of Mentor Connect, the next evolution of the former Mentor Match program. Designed to facilitate meaningful, goal driven connections, Mentor Connect offers a more intentional approach to professional development.
Whether you are looking to grow or give back, Mentor Connect is your gateway to professional collaboration. Join today to:
Learn more and sign up today, or email with any questions! |
| Billing guidance for brachytherapy services Rounds |
| ASTRO reminds members of the guidelines for billing repetitive services, such as brachytherapy, in the hospital setting. CMS guidance states that certain services delivered over multiple patient encounters can be reported per encounter. For more information, see What’s Happening in Washington. |
| 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule released |
| CMS released the 2027 IPPS proposed rule on April 10, 2026. The proposed rule updates Medicare payment policies and rates for inpatient and long-term care hospitals under IPPS, with payments expected to increase by 2.4% (based on a 3.2% market basket update minus a 0.8% productivity adjustment). Read What’s Happening in Washington for more information. |
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| Congratulations to the Latest APEx-Accredited Facilities |
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ASTRO recognizes the following facilities for achieving accreditation through APEx – the Accreditation Program for Excellence®. Newly Accredited:
Reaccredited:
The APEx process provides a transparent, evidence-based review of a practice’s commitment to safety and quality. View a list of accredited facilities and contact ASTRO staff to learn about the new options for accreditation and why APEx is the right choice for your practice. |
