Message from the CPC Chair
As part of ASCO’s initiative to further develop and build a nationwide grassroots advocacy network, ASCO will hold a Legislative Conference on July 26-27 in Washington, DC. Through the conference, ASCO will provide you with the tools and resources you need to communicate, educate and build a long-term relationship with your elected officials.

The conference will feature presentations from key Congressional leaders and Administration officials, followed by a day for you to participate in face-to-face meetings with your Congressional representatives.

This exciting program will enable you to talk to your Congressional leaders about important issues affecting the oncology community, with a focus on the MMA, quality cancer care initiatives, and cancer research. This is a valuable opportunity for ASCO members to showcase the depth and range of issues that concern our membership.

Day 1:The first day of the conference will feature a panel of Congressional committee and subcommittee leaders, who will talk about leadership priorities. Administration officials from CMS, FDA and NIH also will be invited to talk about federal initiatives. Separately, a panel of key Congressional staffers will speak candidly about the legislative and political environment within the committees, as well as the process and proposals likely to be addressed over the coming months. In preparation for Day Two, ASCO will conduct an Advocacy Training Seminar, led by a Washington policy expert, who will help you make your meetings with Members of Congress as productive as possible. We will close the day with a Congressional reception on Capitol Hill.

Day 2:On the second day, you will participate in face-to-face meetings with members of your Congressional delegation. This is your chance to have direct dialogue with the elected officials who make the decisions that affect your patients. These meetings are useful not only as informational exchanges but also as another step in cultivating relationships with policymakers so that you become a trusted source of information and an advocate for your patients.ASCO will set up the meetings for you when you register for the conference.

This Legislative Conference is part of ASCO’s ongoing commitment to further developing a vibrant advocacy network, so your policymakers can ensure their policy decisions will benefit your patients – who are their constituents.

To register for the conference, please visit the Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department on ASCO.org.


News and Notes
Grassroots Advocacy Network
Many of you already participate in the legislative process by writing or calling your Member of Congress, visiting your legislators in Washington, and encouraging your peers to communicate to Congress. Through the Grassroots Advocacy Network, we can work together to communicate more effectively on Capitol Hill about the issues that are most important to the cancer community. Joining the network is easy. Please visit www.asco.org/grassroots_survey to sign up.

ASCO’s Reimbursement Hotline
If you need help with the new coding changes or the demonstration project, please contact ASCO’s Coding and Reimbursement Hotline at 703-299-1054 or by email at practice@asco.org.