ASTRO and House Cancer Caucus host congressional briefing
On July 14, ASTRO hosted a congressional lunch briefing in conjunction with House Cancer Caucus leadership. The event brought together congressional staff, policymakers, physicians and radiation oncology stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting cancer care.
Twenty-six congressional offices were represented and House Cancer Caucus Co-chairs Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) also served as guest speakers providing remarks.
The briefing highlighted the growing challenges facing radiation oncology practices and patients as a result of the current Medicare billing code crisis. Panelists showcased the significant role that radiation therapy plays in modern cancer care and the ongoing innovations in the field. The briefing concluded with a discussion of the Radiation Oncology Case Rate Act (ROCR) and how the legislation would provide much-needed reimbursement stability in the long term.
“Cancer care should be driven by the best science, the best outcomes and the needs of the patient — not by an outdated payment system,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I introduced the ROCR Act to modernize Medicare’s reimbursement model for radiation therapy by aligning incentives with high-quality, evidence-based care, protecting access for seniors and underserved communities, and giving providers the stability they need to deliver cutting-edge treatment.”
