The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is lauding bipartisan federal legislation that would curb restrictive prior authorization practices that delay patient access to critical cancer treatments.
The legislation, called The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 (HR 3107), was introduced by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Dr. Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Dr. Ami Bera (D-CA).
If it passes, the bill will make the prior authorization process clearer and will avoid unnecessary delays for patients covered by Medicare Advantage plans, according to ASTRO.
"Restrictive prior authorization practices can cause unnecessary, stressful, and potentially life-threatening delays for cancer patients," said ASTRO Chair Dr. Paul Harari in a statement released by the organization. "While the system was designed as a path to streamline and strengthen access to treatments, it is in fact frequently harmful to cancer patients who are prescribed radiation therapy, particularly by wasting precious time and causing immense anxiety."
