Cancer Community Gathers on Capitol Hill to Save Cancer Care

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, September 20th the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) will assemble cancer patients and cancer care professionals from across the country in order to deliver a message to elected officials on Capitol Hill that cancer care in the US is being threatened by drastic cuts imposed by the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA). According to Steve Coplon, COA Executive Director, "The Administration has not kept its promise to protect cancer patients' access to care. Radical cuts have forced cancer clinics across the country to close doors, reduce services, and shift patients in some cases to facilities outside the patient's home state."

On July 13, 2006, Dr. Fred Schnell, COA President and community oncologist from Macon Georgia, testified before the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health proposing solutions to Medicare cuts for cancer care. Schnell stated, "We believe that the cancer care delivery system in this country is in grave danger of being dismantled. Changes in Medicare reimbursement for cancer care brought about by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 are too severe. Community cancer clinics were shielded from the full impact of these changes until 2006."

According to recent COA reports from 142 cancer clinics in 38 states which represents over 25% of the nation's community oncologists:

  - Approximately 75% of reporting practices are shifting patients to
    hospitals on a regular basis.
  - A number of hospitals are refusing to care for these patients or do not
    provide the necessary oncology drugs on their formulary.
  - Nearly all chemotherapy treatment regimens are being reimbursed below
    cost in the office setting, forcing over 20% of reporting clinics to no
    longer provide in-office chemotherapy for Medicare patients.

COA is asking Congress before adjourning for the mid-term election to direct Centers for Medicare (CMS) to make necessary administrative corrections to rectify the current crises in cancer care. Attendees will be meeting with key members of the House and Senate and their staff to discuss administrative fixes and legislative options.

For additional information, contact Steve Coplon, COA Executive Director, 901-351-7733, or Dianne Kube, COA Chief Administrative Officer, 301-775-3081.

The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) is committed to fostering and protecting high quality, affordable and accessible cancer care for all Americans battling cancer. COA's vision is to strongly promote initiatives that further enhance the quality and affordability of cancer care, which along with accessibility have been hallmarks of cancer treatment delivered in the community setting where over 85% of Americans with cancer are treated. For additional information, visit: http://www.communityoncology.org/.

  Contact information:
  Deborah D. Coble
  Community Oncology Alliance
  Press Officer
  901-683-0055 x 1312