ROCR Act reintroduced, Don’t miss 2025 Refresher, Leadership Pathway Program Awardees
March 19, 2025
| ROCR Act of 2025 reintroduced in Congress |
| The Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value Based Payment Program Act (S.1031) (House bill pending) was reintroduced by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Rep. John Joyce, MD (R-PA), and Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) late last week. See details in ASTRO’s release and the section-by-section summary. ASTRO hosted a Town Hall to discuss and answer questions on ROCR and Medicare payment changes. In case you missed it, the recording is available (ASTRO member login required). |
| MedPAC report highlights Medicare payment challenges |
| The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recently released its March 2025 Report to Congress, highlighting concerns over hospital and physician payment structures, recommending increases for both hospital and office-based practitioners. Read What’s Happening in Washington for more information. |
| POTUS signs funding bill averting shutdown |
| Last weekend President Trump signed the stopgap spending bill for FY2025, a continuing resolution (CR) that funds government programs through September 2025. The plan did not include any relief from Medicare's 2.8% reimbursement cuts that went into effect January — cuts over which ASTRO joined other groups insisting Congress take immediate action to reverse. Visit What's Happening in Washington for more. |
| Show your support for the ROCR Act by attending ASTRO Advocacy Day! |
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| Spots are filling up fast for ASTRO’s Advocacy Day, May 19 and 20. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your support for the newly reintroduced ROCR Act of 2025 to stabilize Medicare payments and protect patient access to radiation oncology. Visit Capitol Hill and meet your legislators to help them understand the importance of radiation therapy in treating and curing cancer! Register now and book your housing before the discounted room block deadline of April 30. |
| What are you waiting for? Register today for Annual Refresher Course |
| The Annual Refresher Course is your best opportunity to get a comprehensive review of the latest treatment methods for major disease sites. Plus, you get three eContouring sessions that include hands-on practice cases for Upper GI, Breast and Lymphomas, a physics lecture on protons and heavy ions, a lecture on radiobiology of benign disease, and two bonus onDemand presentations on pediatrics and vulvar and vaginal cancers. Take advantage of discounted pricing for add-on courses, and remember, the Refresher onDemand is included in registration! Register now as spots are filling up fast! |
| Congratulations to the 2024-2026 ASTRO Leadership Pathway Program awardees |
| We are pleased to announce our current class of Leadership Pathway Program awardees. The Leadership Pathway Program aims to enhance the career advancement of a new generation of thought leaders through a two-year leadership program. Leadership Pathway Program activities are specifically designed to increase awardees’ knowledge of ASTRO’s governance structure, expand their networks and provide mentorship opportunities through their assignments to an ASTRO Council. Learn more about the ASTRO Leadership Pathway Program and our 2024-2026 award winners. |
| Deadline for 2025 Mentorship Awards is this Friday, March 21 |
| Don’t miss out on this chance to recognize an outstanding mentor in radiation oncology who has made a lasting impact on the next generation of clinicians, educators and researchers. Learn more details and submit your nomination before this Friday’s deadline! |
