The Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Act (S.1031/HR.2120) has gained another key cosponsor in Senator Chris Coons (D-DE). Sen. Coons has been a longtime support of radiation oncology access and his cosponsorship follows a meeting with Delaware radiation oncologists during Advocacy Day.

In addition, ASTRO was invited by the GOP Doctors’ Caucus to represent radiation oncology at a roundtable discussion at the U.S. Capitol June 5 on physician payment reform. ASTRO Government Relations Committee Vice-chair Gopal Bajaj, MD, MBA, FASTRO, joined physician leaders from across the country representing more than two dozen medical specialty associations for the meeting, which was attended by numerous Members of Congress and key staff.

Dr. Bajaj praised ASTRO champion and Doctors’ Caucus Co-chair John Joyce, MD (PA-13), for his leadership on the ROCR Act and long-term payment solutions for physicians. Other topics included fixing broken quality reporting programs, reforming prior authorization, and mitigating consolidation that threatens access.