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2008 will be a year of many challenges for community oncology. The over 50 freshman Members of the House and Senate have yet to see the issues of community based cancer care first-hand, yet they will be asked to make important decisions affecting every cancer care physician, nurse and patient in the coming months.
Time to Move Forward
Oncology has been on the receiving end of many challenges in the past few years: new funding formulas, reimbursement reductions, cuts that threaten patient access to quality care and cuts that have been dheeper than either intended or expected. Still, the past is ancient history and our focus must also shift to the future: what we can and will do together with the support of those in Congress who value community cancer care.
In political terms, we can never be effective if our message is focused on where we have been: we will only be effective when we offer a clear vision of where we intend to go.
What We Can Do Today!
The opportunity available to each community oncology practice is to introduce the new Members of Congress -- and reacquaint the incumbents -- with our cancer treatment model, our patient-centric focus and challenges of the current environment. These individuals will be asked to vote on ASP reform, imaging reimbursement, physician pay, drug administration, practice expense and other key issues affecting our community, our patients and our business. These issues form the core of our federal agenda.
Congressmen will be asked make decisions affecting oncology not only this year, but throughout their careers in Congress. A site visit to your practice is an investment that will give those Members of Congress the experience and perspective to make informed decisions that shape oncology.
Today is the perfect time to act: invite your congressional representatives to your practice for a site visit!
Add one more New Year’s resolution to your list:
Host a site visit!
We will help! Simply click here to find out who your representatives are and click here for a sample invitation letter to send.
These Congressional site visits are the critical component to the success of US Oncology public policy initiatives. Your Members of Congress make key decisions on your practice's and your patients' future. We need to help!
It is up to you to act - please draft your letter today! | 
