As Congress proposes to make massive, historic cuts to cancer care that threaten high quality and accessible treatment to millions of older Americans battling cancer, community oncology clinics around the country are inviting every member of the House and Senate to learn firsthand about cancer treatment. The Sit in My Chair education program, developed by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), will place Representatives and Senators in chemotherapy chairs during the July 4th congressional recess. The program is intended to educate members of Congress about the realities of modern cancer care and what cancer patients nationwide experience in receiving cancer treatment.
Both the House and Senate are working on their own versions of Medicare prescription drug legislation. Contained in both versions are provisions that would take at least $500 million out of Medicare reimbursement for cancer care. In a recently completed nationwide analysis of community oncology clinics, Medicare currently underpays for cancer care. The additional cuts being planned by the Congress will force clinic closings nationwide and threaten access to treatment for senior citizens covered by Medicare.
Through the Sit in My Chair program, Members of Congress will experience the full range of services that cancer patients receive in a community oncology clinic. As patients have regular access to their physicians, the Members will meet with oncologists who explain the chemotherapy, side effects and other treatment. A specialized, trained oncology nurse will lead them through how onsite pharmacists prepare the highly volatile chemotherapy medications. These medications require proper storage and are administered through infusion technique with state of the art equipment. Lastly, they will review with the nurse post-treatment concerns and receive counseling and support services. This level of care is only available through the community oncology network.