Health Policy Reports

Biweekly newsletter of stories impacting community cancer care.

Health Policy Report – Nov. 15, 2023

Rep. Jodey Arrington Speaks at The US Oncology Network’s National Policy Board Meeting House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington participated in a fireside chat with Dr. Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA of Texas Oncology and Ben Jones, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy, during The Network’s Fall National Policy Board Leadership Meeting in…

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Health Policy Report – Oct. 31, 2023

The US Oncology Network Hosts Fly-In On Thursday, October 19th, The US Oncology Network physicians met with key lawmakers in Washington, D.C., including members of the House Energy & Commerce, Ways & Means, and Education & the Workforce Committees, to advocate on behalf of community oncology. Specifically, Network advocates met with House Energy & Commerce…

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Health Policy Report – Oct. 17, 2023

As House Decides on Speaker, Experts Analyze Health Care Implications Following the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as House speaker on Tuesday, October 2, the House of Representatives continues to face key questions about its direction moving forward. Republicans formally chose Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Republican majority leader, as their nominee for Speaker in…

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Health Policy Report – Oct. 3, 2023

CMMI Director Liz Fowler Visits Texas Oncology San Antonio Starting July 1, 2023, 12 oncology practices across the U.S. with more than 1,000 physicians — including Texas Oncology — started implementing the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) developed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This latest step in value-based oncology care builds on…

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Health Policy Report – Sept. 19, 2023

The Network Comments on CMS Physician Fee Schedule and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rules The Network submitted comments in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rules on September 11. In its comments on the PFS proposed rule,…

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Health Policy Report – Sept. 6, 2023

Biden Administration Announces List of Ten Drugs Subject to Medicare Negotiation  On August 29, the Biden administration announced the highly anticipated list of the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs that will be subject to price negotiations with Medicare. The medications – which treat diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and other conditions – are taken by millions…

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Health Policy Report – Aug. 22, 2023

In New Op-Ed, Dr. Debra Patt Calls on Lawmakers to Enact PBM Reform  Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, of Texas Oncology, recently penned an op-ed in MedPage Today urging federal policymakers to rein in Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Dr. Patt, who also serves as Chair of The Network’s Public Policy and Reimbursement Committee, noted that…

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Health Policy Report – Aug. 8, 2023

Texas Oncology Hosts Congressman Keith Self (R-TX)  On Monday, July 24 Texas Oncology hosted Representative Keith Self (R-TX) at its McKinney practice outside Dallas, Texas. Dr. Anand Shivnani and director of practice operations Melissa Rich led Congressman Self on a tour of the practice showcasing the suite of services it offers.  Congressman Self is a…

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Health Policy Report – July 25, 2023

Southern Cancer Center Hosts Congressman Jerry Carl   On Thursday, July 6, Southern Cancer Center (SCC) hosted Congressman Jerry Carl (AL-01) for a site visit at their Daphne location. Dr. Brian Heller, Executive Director Lauren Pettis led a tour of the clinic and spoke to Representative Carl about the cancer services being offered in the…

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Health Policy Report – July 11, 2023

Reps. Arrington, Lesko, Burgess Reintroduce the Medicare Patient Access to Cancer Treatment Act On July 6, Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Debbie Lesko (AZ-8), and Michael Burgess (TX-26) introduced legislation to ensure to create payment parity for outpatient cancer care services in Medicare. This is a critical step toward reducing consolidation and maintaining access to high-quality,…

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