Over the past 10 days, ASCO has been hearing from oncology practices across the country about how the proposed 6 percent cut to Medicare payments for medical oncology services will have a devastating impact on their ability to provide care to their patients. We share your concerns about the adverse impact these cuts will have on the delivery of cancer care in this country.

ASCO is calling on Congress and CMS to fix this untenable situation. We fully recognize that our community and members cannot sustain further payment reductions at a time when the number of people with cancer is increasing, practice expenses continue to rise, and the oncology workforce is dwindling.

As you consider the effects that these payments cuts will have on your practice and your patients, please share your specific feedback with us. It will be very helpful to provide specific examples and real-life stories to Congress and CMS about the impact that the fee schedule cuts will have on practices and patients. Please send any comments you would like to share to publicpolicy@asco.org.

In addition, ASCO is conducting an in-depth analysis of all of the components of the fee schedule to be sure all of its ramifications are considered. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be reaching out to you with specific guidance on communicating with your Representative and Senators to let them know how your patients and your practice will be directly affected if proposed payment cuts are enacted.

We are committed to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that national policy supports the ability of oncology practices to provide quality, innovative, and evidence-based cancer care to the millions of Americans who need it.

Contact ASCO’s Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 571-483-1670 or publicpolicy@asco.org with any immediate questions that you have.