http://www.astro.org/astronews/ ASTROnews 01 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST en-us http://www.astro.org/images/beth_web.jpg http://www.astro.org/astronews/ 90 38 http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-radiation-oncologist-brian-kavanagh-named-to-apc-advisory-panel.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-radiation-oncologist-brian-kavanagh-named-to-apc-advisory-panel.aspx 01 Sep 2010 09:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is pleased to announce that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has named ASTRO committee member Brian D. Kavanagh, M.D., M.P.H., to serve a four-year-term on the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) Groups. Dr. Kavanagh is one of five new members selected to serve a term beginning October 1, 2010, and ending September 30, 2014. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-restructures-names-four-new-vice-presidents.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-restructures-names-four-new-vice-presidents.aspx 31 Aug 2010 09:06:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is pleased to announce its staff has been restructured into four divisions: Advocacy and Clinical Affairs, Member Relations and Communications, Education, and Finance and Administration. As such, four talented individuals have been promoted to the ranks of vice-president to head up each of these new divisions. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-arro-honors-40-with-educator-of-the-year-award.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-arro-honors-40-with-educator-of-the-year-award.aspx 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST In partnership with the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) has named 40 educators to be awarded the 2010 Educator of the Year Award. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-pro-now-accepting-manuscripts.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-pro-now-accepting-manuscripts.aspx 10 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) newest journal, is now accepting manuscript submissions at www.practicalradonc.org. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-w-robert-lee-named-inaugural-editor-of-practical-radiation-oncology.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-w-robert-lee-named-inaugural-editor-of-practical-radiation-oncology.aspx 05 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST W. Robert Lee, M.D., M.Ed., has been named the inaugural editor of ASTRO’s new journal Practical Radiation Oncology. Dr. Lee was selected by a 12-person editor selection task and made up of a cross section of the field of radiation oncology. His appointment was then confirmed by the ASTRO Board of Directors. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-publishes-whole-breast-irradiation-guidelines.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-publishes-whole-breast-irradiation-guidelines.aspx 04 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has released evidence-based guidelines to define appropriate fractionation of whole breast irradiation (WBI), finding that hypofractionated (HF) WBI is effective for many patients with early-stage breast cancer. These guidelines are published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology•Biology•Physics, the official journal of ASTRO. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-hires-it-director-health-policy-analyst.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-hires-it-director-health-policy-analyst.aspx 03 Aug 2010 08:51:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has hired a director of information technology and a new health policy analyst, adding to the vast talent in its Information Technology and Health Policy departments. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-promotes-three-to-director-assistant-director-positions.aspxx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-promotes-three-to-director-assistant-director-positions.aspx 29 Jul 2010 10:19:00 EST The American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is pleased to announce promotions in the Government Relations, Communications and Education departments. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-introduces-ro-marketplace.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-introduces-ro-marketplace.aspx 28 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has launched the Radiation Oncology MarketPlace to provide radiation oncology treatment team members with the ability to search for radiation oncology vendors, products and services in a centralized location. Vendors also benefit by listing their company information on a site created specifically for their target customer. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-astro-begins-search-for-red-journal-editor-in-chief.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-astro-begins-search-for-red-journal-editor-in-chief.aspx 26 Jul 2010 16:55:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is searching for an Editor-in-Chief for its primary research journal, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology•Biology•Physics. Known as the Red Journal, it offers authoritative articles linking new research and technologies to clinical applications. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-names-radiologist-abr-president-society-s-2010-honorary-member.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-names-radiologist-abr-president-society-s-2010-honorary-member.aspx 26 Jul 2010 09:55:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named N. Reed Dunnick, M.D., a distinguished leader in the field of diagnostic radiology, as its 2010 Honorary Member, which is the highest honor the Society bestows upon distinguished cancer researchers and leaders in disciplines other than radiation oncology, radiation physics or radiobiology. Dr. Dunnick will be recognized with this honor during the Awards Ceremony at ASTRO’s 52nd Annual Meeting, taking place October 31 – November 4, 2010, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-the-future-of-graduate-medical-education-medpac-s-recommendations.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-the-future-of-graduate-medical-education-medpac-s-recommendations.aspx 23 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST A proposal by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has Congress considering some major changes to graduate medical education funding that could impact the way radiation oncology programs train the next generation of cancer doctors. In MedPAC’s June 2010 report, the commission gave concrete recommendations on only one issue: Medicare’s financing of graduate medical education (GME). These recommendations focused on aligning GME with delivery system reforms that the commission termed “essential” for increasing the value of the U.S. health care system. Driving the commission’s recommendations were two concerns: quality of residency training and workforce diversity. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-pro-now-accepting-manuscripts.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-pro-now-accepting-manuscripts.aspx 22 Jul 2010 10:06:00 EST ASTRO’s new journal to publish first issue in 2011 By Katherine Bennett , ASTRO staff, pro@astro.org ASTRO’s new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology, is now accepting manuscripts. The first issue of this quarterly journal whose mission is to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2011. Manuscripts may be submitted online at www.practicalradonc.org. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-award-honors-san-diego-cancer-survivor-who-gives-back.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-award-honors-san-diego-cancer-survivor-who-gives-back.aspx 16 Jul 2010 09:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is looking to recognize a cancer survivor in the San Diego area who has dedicated his or her time and energy to help others in the local community. The winner of the Survivor Circle Award will receive $1,000 and be honored at a ceremony at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego during ASTRO’s 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting, an international medical meeting where about 12,000 health care professionals are expected to be in attendance. The meeting will be in San Diego October 31 - November 4 this year. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-five-awarded-astro-research-grants.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-five-awarded-astro-research-grants.aspx 14 Jul 2010 12:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has selected five physicians as recipients of two grants funded by the Radiation Oncology Institute – the Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award and the Residents/Fellows in Radiation Oncology Research Seed Grant Award. Winners were selected by ASTRO’s Research Evaluation Committee. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-announces-2010-fellows-class.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-astro-announces-2010-fellows-class.aspx 07 Jul 2010 14:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has named its 2010 class of Fellows. These 11 distinguished members will receive their Fellow designation at a ceremony during the 52nd Annual Meeting being held October 31 – November 4, 2010, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-cms-releases-proposed-2011-hospital-outpatient-regulations.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-cms-releases-proposed-2011-hospital-outpatient-regulations.aspx 06 July 2010 17:00:00 EST The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the proposed rule governing payment policies and rates for the Medicare hospital outpatient payment system (HOPPS) for calendar year 2011 on its website on July 2, 2010. The rule also implements certain provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-it-s-not-too-early-to-begin-preparing-for-icd-10.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-it-s-not-too-early-to-begin-preparing-for-icd-10.aspx 29 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST In January 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released final regulations related to the adoption of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. These regulations will replace ICD-9 codes that are currently used by physicians and hospitals for coding diagnoses and inpatient hospital procedures. On October 1, 2013, all providers must report ICD-10-CM for diagnoses for all health transactions (Medicare and private payers). Physicians will continue to use CPT codes to report procedures. Hospital inpatient procedures will be reported using ICD-10-PCS. http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-cms-releases-2011-proposed-medicare-physician-schedule.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/web-exclusive-cms-releases-2011-proposed-medicare-physician-schedule.aspx 29 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST On June 25, 2010, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced proposed changes to Medicare policies and payment rates for physician services to go into effect January 1, 2011. CMS estimates that radiation oncology will experience a positive 2 percent impact from the proposed changes. The analysis does not include the effect of any conversion factor changes that would reduce physician payment rates. Under the proposed rule, CMS projects a negative 6.1 percent reduction to physician payment rates in 2011 due to the application of the Sustainable Growth Rate formula. Negative updates have been expected every year since 2002, although congressional action has averted payment reductions since 2003. Congressional action will be needed again to avoid a payment reduction in 2011. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/MedPACJune.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/MedPACJune.pdf 16 Jun 2010 15:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) commends the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) for highlighting concerns about physician self-referral in cancer care in its report released yesterday. We urge the commission to make recommendations to Congress to end abuses of the physician self-referral law in radiation oncology enabled by the “in-office ancillary services exception.” http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/FDAmeeting.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/FDAmeeting.pdf 16 Jun 2010 15:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) continued to advance its Target Safely initiative by participating in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) public meeting on Device Improvements to Reduce the Number of Under-Doses, Over-Doses, and Misaligned Exposures from Therapeutic Radiation on June 9 and 10. ASTRO commends the FDA on holding this meeting to identify current issues and further develop data, which will help inform the FDA’s actions to ensure the highest level of safety for radiation therapy patients. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/FloridaTS.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/FloridaTS.pdf 15 Jun 2010 15:08:00 EST Through a unanimous decision, the Florida Advisory Council on Radiation Protection has endorsed Target Safely, the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) patient protection plan. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/AAAAward.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/AAAAward.pdf 09 Jun 2010 15:08:00 EST The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has been named to the 2010 Associations Advance America (AAA) Honor Roll for outstanding work on its public awareness campaign to help cancer patients and their families understand their treatment options. http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/June1.pdf http://www.astro.org/PressRoom/NewsReleases/2010NewsReleases/documents/June1.pdf 02 Jun 2010 13:48:00 EST Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for some breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of recurrence by almost 30 percent and increase their five-year overall survival by almost 50 percent, according to a study in the June 1 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-larson-mcbride-named-2010-astro-gold-medalists.aspx http://cs.astro.org/blogs/astronews/pages/press-release-larson-mcbride-named-2010-astro-gold-medalists.aspx 01 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST David Larson, M.D., Ph.D., FASTRO, and William McBride, D.Sc., Ph.D., have been chosen to receive the American Society for Radiation Oncology's most prestigious award, the Gold Medal. They will be presented with this honor at the Awards Ceremony during ASTRO's 52nd Annual Meeting, taking place October 31 to November 4, 2010, in San Diego.