Cancer is one of the most important and complex healthcare challenges of our time. The US Oncology Network is an influential participant in national healthcare discussions, and is shaping public policy on state and federal levels.
Through active engagement with policy makers and elected officials, the Government Relations and Public Policy team aims to bridge the gap between the needs of the cancer-care community and local, state and national lawmakers. Through various activities and resources, including the LegisLink Action Center, we work to amplify the voice of the patients, physicians and caregivers served by The US Oncology Network.
The Government Relations team influences public policy by:
• Advocating on behalf of community oncology physicians and patients with a unified voice
• Urging and enabling cancer-care advocates to engage with policymakers
• Leading public forums to discuss how policy affects cancer care
• Hosting site visits for lawmakers interested in improving cancer care
• Educating cancer-care advocates about public policy developments
Nobody wants to face cancer alone. We bring state-of-the-art care and grassroots advocacy to the community. In shaping our public policy goals and initiatives, and in collaboration with physicians in The Network, we have formulated the Principles for Reforming Cancer Care.
Principles for Reforming Cancer Care
The US Oncology Network believes that:
1. All cancer patients should:
• Have access to integrated outpatient care in the community where they live
• Receive high-quality, evidence-based, comprehensive care
• Have access to clinical trials studying the latest promising therapies
• Be assured the drugs administered to them are genuine and unadulterated
• Obtain needed care without the threat of severe financial hardship and without regard to ability to pay
2. All patients with incurable cancers or late-stage disease should:
• Receive clear communication about their prognosis
• Have access to high-quality, evidence-based palliative care, supportive care and end-of-life planning as appropriate to meet their individual physical, mental, social and spiritual needs
3. Payment policies should incentivize physicians to provide high-quality, evidence-based care that reflects clinical excellence and value.
4. Payers should incentivize the use of healthcare information technology to empower efficient, high-quality cancer care.
Visit LegisLink
The LegisLink Action Center is one of our main vehicles for cancer-care advocacy. Through LegisLink, we provide cancer-care advocates with tools, structure and support.
Through LegisLink, you can:
• Learn about legislative issues affecting cancer care in your state and the U.S. at large
• Search for lawmakers in your area and find complete contact information
• Locate resources for setting up cancer center site visits
• View our Principles for Reform
• Join our Good Government Committee
