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Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Congressman Devin Nunes (R-CA) along with 112 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives have sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging reconsideration of proposed cuts to community cancer clinics contained in the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule. Specifically, the letter asks CMS to reconsider its proposal to cap reimbursement rates for codes related to chemotherapy administration, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic radiation.

“By delivering top notch care close to home, community cancer clinics are an essential part of our healthcare system,” said Rep. Tonko.“We must ensure that these facilities have the tools they need to thrive so that families dealing with a cancer diagnosis don’t lose access to this proven model of care delivery. By asking CMS to reevaluate this flawed proposal, we can ensure that community cancer clinics will be open for patients in need.”

“The proposed payment policy fundamentally threatens community cancer care as we know it today,” said Rep. Nunes.“Hundreds of facilities have already closed due to misaligned payment rates, and many others are being swallowed into hospital systems. We will not achieve our goal – delivering quality care at the best price – by driving community care into the hospital setting. This bipartisan letter encourages CMS to reconsider its proposal.”

“Millions of American patients and their families battling cancer rely on Medicare coverage and community based comprehensive cancer care clinics to provide their care and support for longer, better quality lives,” said Ira Zackon, M.D of New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) in Albany and the Capital District. “I know all of the physicians and support staff at NYOH join with similar practices across our country in applauding Congressman Tonko’s leadership in standing up for seniors with cancer and for the dedicated caregivers who provide for them.”

Over the past six years, 288 community cancer treatment facilities have closed and more than 469 practices have merged into, or become affiliated with, hospitals due to inadequate reimbursement rates. This has resulted in individuals with cancer losing access to care close to home — particularly in rural areas. In addition to the low reimbursement rates, the federal government sequester has also taken its toll on community cancer clinics. In April 2013, the Washington Post detailed how community clinics like North Shore Hematology Oncology Associates in New York have had to turn away thousands of Medicare patients due to reduced cancer drug reimbursements resulting from the sequester.

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