Compass Oncology Hosts Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR)

On Tuesday, August 2, Compass Oncology hosted Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) for a tour of their West Cancer Clinic in Tigard, Oregon. Compass Oncology is proud to deliver high-quality, patient-centered cancer care close to home for Oregonians—and this visit was a powerful opportunity to showcase the value of community oncology.

Dr. John Schuler, and the entire Compass Oncology team led an insightful tour and discussion, emphasizing the real-world policy challenges our patients and providers face every day. One of the key issues raised was the importance of allowing patients to receive their oral oncolytics directly from their care team—whether by mail or through a trusted caregiver pickup—rather than being forced through complex pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) channels that can delay or disrupt access to treatment. The team also addressed the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly the risk of providers being caught in the middle of the drug pricing negotiation process, which could jeopardize timely access to life-saving therapies.

In addition, we discussed the need for a more sustainable reimbursement structure for radiation oncology, including support for the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) model, and the importance of advancing site-neutral payment reforms to promote fair and consistent care across all treatment settings.

We are deeply grateful to Congresswoman Salinas and her team for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage with our providers. Her service on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee gives her a unique perspective on the broader challenges facing communities like ours. Her willingness to connect directly with providers and understand the impact of healthcare policy on patients is exactly the kind of leadership we need to protect and strengthen access to community-based cancer care. We are especially thankful for her continued advocacy and support.

If your practice is interested in hosting a site visit, please contact Angela Storseth at angela.storseth@usoncology.com.