AdvaMed’s Whitaker: Cuts to Radiotherapy Fail to Weigh Overwhelming Lifesaving Benefits

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, AdvaMed, the Medtech Association, responded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ recently announced Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, which includes an additional two percent cut to reimbursements for radiation therapy providers in 2024. According to the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), CMS spends less on all radiation therapy services than it does on just three top cancer drugs, despite the fact that radiation is utilized by twice as many beneficiaries.

“Millions of Americans diagnosed with cancer rely on life-saving radiation therapy to treat their disease. However, under today’s proposed rule, CMS is proposing to make drastic cuts that would limit access to radiotherapy treatments for an untold number of patients, especially those in rural areas of the country,” said Scott Whitaker, AdvaMed President and CEO. “At a time when this Administration is making the fight against cancer a top health priority, these cuts simply do not make sense. We stand ready to work with CMS and President Biden to prevent these cuts and ensure patients have access to the treatments they need when they need them. We look forward to laying out our concerns and providing recommendations to CMS during the comment period on behalf of our members and the patients we serve.”

Earlier this year, AdvaMed released the findings of a national poll on radiation therapy and cancer treatment. This survey found broad support across all political parties for greater federal investment in proven cancer treatment, such as RT, to bring down costs and expand access for patients. Other findings include:

• Four-in-five Americans (78%) and nearly all adults who have been diagnosed with cancer (93%) say radiation therapy is safe and effective at treating cancer;
• More than half of respondents note that the distance to the nearest RT facility, coupled with family and work responsibilities, are top barriers to accessing RT treatments;
• Three-in-four (75%) Americans say it should be a priority for the government to invest in proven cancer treatments;
• More than half of adults (51%) say investment in cancer treatments should be a top priority;
• Support for greater federal investment is high across political party affiliation, with strong support coming from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike.

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AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.