On January 26, Coastal Radiation Oncology Group physicians Lauren Tait, MD, and Ben Wilkinson, MD, hosted a tour of their Templeton Radiation Oncology Center for local U.S. House Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).  Rep. Panetta, who served on a key health care committee in Congress, said he was impressed with the Templeton team after seeing firsthand how they provide cancer care services to his constituents in the rural California community. Drs. Tait and Wilkinson demonstrated how Templeton provides high quality, state of the art care similar to radiation therapy delivered in major cities. They outlined the serious challenges of Medicare reimbursement cuts on their one-linac center, as well as the difficulties their rural patients face in accessing care. Drs. Tait and Wilkinson worked closely with ASTRO staff to organize the tour, which also featured discussion of ASTRO’s Radiation Oncology Case Rate legislative proposal.

Clinic tours are among the most effective ways to educate lawmakers about the value of radiation oncology centers in their communities, and ASTRO staff are available to help organize a seamless and impactful visit. Contact ASTRO’s Courtney Williams or Colin Whitney for help organizing your tour.