Health Policy Reports

GOP Doctors Caucus Endorses H.R. 4299 On September 16, the GOP Doctors Caucus announced its endorsement of the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R. 4299). “As physicians, we know that lowering prescription drug costs for seniors cannot come at the expense of their ability to access those medicines in the first…

Dr. Mark Fleming Participates in Roundtable with Dr. Oz, CMS Administrator On August 28, Dr. Mark Fleming of Virginia Oncology Associates participated in a healthcare roundtable hosted by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and featuring Dr. Mehmet Oz. During the discussion, Dr. Fleming shared perspectives on cancer care delivery, patient access, and the importance of reducing barriers…

Dr. Michael Burgess Pens Op-Ed in Support of H.R. 4299 in Real Clear Health Former Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) recently penned an op-ed in Real Clear Health advocating for Congress to pass the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R.4299). As a physician and former Chair of the House Energy and…

Missouri Cancer Associates Hosts MO Speaker of the House Jon Patterson, MD, for Site Visit Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA) recently welcomed Missouri Speaker of the House Jon Patterson, MD, to its Columbia practice for a discussion on the importance of preserving access to high-quality, community-based cancer care across Mid-Missouri. Practice leaders shared how MCA’s integrated…

CMS Releases MPFS Proposed Rule On July 14, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for Calendar Year (CY) 2027. The proposed rule once again included a cut to the conversion factor, this time by 1.18% for qualifying alternative payment model (APM) participants…

OPPS Proposed Rule Advances Site Neutral Pay, 340B Reforms On July 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2027 proposed rule for the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS). The proposed rule would increase payments to hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers by 2.4% (3.2% market basket minus 0.8% productivity adjustment). If…

Dr. Jason Taksey Pens LTE in Support of H.R. 4299  In a letter to the editor published in the Easton Star Democrat, Dr. Jason Taksey of Maryland Oncology Hematology thanked Representative Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), for cosponsoring the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act (H.R. 4299). Dr. Taksey emphasized the importance of…

Drs. Busby and Parikh Author JCO-OP Article on Physician Advocacy Dr. Les Busby, Chief Medical Officer of The US Oncology Network, and Dr. Rupesh Parikh, Practice President of the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, recently authored an article on the importance of physician advocacy in the Journal of Clinical Oncology – Oncology Practice. “Physician voices…

Texas Oncology Leaders Meet with Governor Greg Abbott to Highlight Community Cancer Care Across Texas On May 22, leaders from Texas Oncology met with Governor Greg Abbott for a discussion on the critical role of community oncology in Texas. Dr. Paulson, Dr. Patt, and Dr. Taylor highlighted the importance of high-quality care, the need for…

The US Oncology Network Hosts Congressional Briefing and PAC Board Fly-In On May 13, The US Oncology Network hosted a congressional briefing on the real-world impact of Medicare Part B drug reimbursement changes on patients and independent physicians. The briefing featured a panel of physicians, including Dr. Debra Patt, President of the Community Oncology Alliance…