Late-breaking Abstract submission site for ASTRO 2022 closes tonight
Do you or a colleague have new, cutting-edge research that you’d like to share at ASTRO 2022? Original research abstracts will be selected for late-breaking presentations at the ASTRO Annual Meeting based on scientific merit, timeliness and interest to ASTRO’s members and attendees. Visit the Annual Meeting Abstracts page for more information and to submit your Late-breaking Abstract. The abstract submission site is open through tonight, Wednesday, August 10, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time.
ASTRO editorial on Dobbs v. Jackson decision featured in the Red Journal
Today the Red Journal published a series of editorials related to the recent Dobbs decision, including an ASTRO editorial calling for evidence-based care for all patients, regardless of pregnancy status, as well as protections for physicians providing such care. The editorial explains ways the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision may impact cancer care for patients — and particularly for pregnant patients and patients who wish to become pregnant. Additionally, the authors address questions about Annual Meeting locations. This editorial, along with three others from leaders in the field, can be found at redjournal.org.
Senate passes reconciliation bill
This past weekend, the United States Senate passed 51-50 a landmark tax, drug and health care bill. The House is expected to approve the legislation later this week and send it to President Biden for final approval. The Inflation Reduction Act (HR. 5376) would allow Medicare to begin negotiating lower prices for 10 high-cost drugs starting in 2026, expanding to 20 drugs by 2029. The bill also includes measures starting in 2025 that will cap Medicare beneficiary out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 annually and patient insulin costs at $35 monthly. Additionally, the bill extends Affordable Care Act subsidies through the 2024 election. For more information, read What’s Happening in Washington.
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ASTRO may lose representation on AMA House of Delegates, your help needed
ASTRO is in jeopardy of losing its seat on the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates. The AMA is one of the largest lobbying groups in the country, and the value of having ASTRO included as a member of the House of Delegates to represent the needs of radiation oncology cannot be overstated. In order for ASTRO to maintain its seat with the ability to testify and vote on the many concerns that affect our specialty and our patients, ASTRO must verify that at least 20% of our domestic, voting members are also members of the AMA. ASTRO membership fell short of this requirement during the regular AMA five-year audit, and we are now currently approaching the end of our grace period for continued eligibility. If you are not already a member of the AMA, please consider joining to keep the largest physician voice in Washington, DC in close sync with ASTRO on radiation oncology issues. Consider your AMA dues a sound investment with a proven track record. Threats to reimbursement and physician autonomy are, and will remain, ongoing, and although the AMA is just one stakeholder, they remain the single most powerful voice advocating on behalf of all physicians.
Act now! Join or renew your AMA membership today. It is imperative that ASTRO maintain its voice within the AMA House of Delegates! To learn more about AMA’s radiation oncology advocacy, read the ASTRO Blog from November 2021.
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RO-ILS Case Study 13: Pitfalls in redundant communication pathways
A new RO-ILS educational resource highlights the importance of adhering to newly established processes. A practice initiated a new workflow to signal that contouring had been completed; however, a parallel and redundant pathway was still being used. Read Case Study 13 to learn the details of what happened, the contributing factors and lessons learned. To read other educational reports, visit the RO-ILS webpage. RO-ILS users have an exclusive invitation to a live RO-ILS User Meeting on Monday, October 24, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central time in conjunction with the ASTRO Annual Meeting in San Antonio. To access the registration link or to learn how to join the RO-ILS program, contact ASTRO staff.
ASTRO 2022 PRO weekend programming returns
Returning for its fifth year, the Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO) Program continues to support the field with a two-day program specifically designed for the community practice radiation oncologist. This program takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, during the ASTRO Annual Meeting to allow for doctors unable to leave their practice during the week to attend the premier scientific radiation oncology event. Program content is curated to address the needs of a community practice physician and will include disease site reviews, interactive case-based discussions, a coding update and a scientific overview. New this year, in addition to being available at a discounted rate as a weekend-only event, the PRO Program is included in the full conference registration package allowing all attendees access.
340B decision impacts HOPPS reimbursement rates
As occurs every year, radiation oncology will see fluctuation in weights under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) due to more claims being available and the impact of CMS’ policy decisions in the final rule. This year, CMS will have to make a decision about the cost report proposal, which also will impact weights. Another likely change from the proposed to final rules stems from the Supreme Court’s recent decision related to 340B payment rates, which was not incorporated into the HOPPS proposed rule due to timing. ASTRO anticipates a reduction of approximately 3% in the radiation oncology APC weights in the final rule. ASTRO’s summary of the HOPPS proposed rule provides additional information.
Upcoming eContouring webinars on CNS and Head and Neck
Two new eContouring webinars are open for registration. Vinai Gondi, MD, will lead the 2022 eContouring for Central Nervous System Cancer webinar on September 22 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. On December 15, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern time, Suresh Mukherji, MD, MBA, and Sung Kim, MD, will lead a webinar on 2022 eContouring for Head and Neck Cancer - Contouring PNI. These ASTRO Academy webinars offer access to hands on contouring practice on real cases in addition to a live webinar with time for Q&A. ASTRO members receive a discount on registration and members-in-training can register for free thanks to the ROI Juan A. del Regato Fund.
The Red Journal welcomes your art
Please consider submitting a painting, photograph, drawing, sculpture, collage, fabric or wood work, or other type of art to be featured on the Red Journal cover. The journal is seeking original submissions from the entire radiation oncology and radiation sciences community, including trainees and staff. This is a wonderful chance to celebrate what you do outside of work and show your colleagues another dimension of your talents. Pieces will be considered through the Red Journal submission system, though you are welcome to email the editorial office with questions or examples of your work.
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