COA Patient Advocacy Network
News Bulletin: January 2021
Advocacy Chat Today: What's Next in Health Policy
Crystal Ball Predictions for Health Care Legislation & Regulation
COA's Executive Director Ted Okon provides insight into hot policy topics in Washington, D.C., impacting community oncology in 2021.

From the new administration and Congress to pharmacy benefit managers to drug pricing, Ted will provide a unique perspective on a unique time in our nation’s capital.

This event is part of our CPAN Advocacy Chat series - short, monthly educational webinars on key cancer issues and the policies that impact them. Each month will feature a new topic and special guest joining us.
Missed it? Watch the December Advocacy Chat on End-of-Life Care

Some patients won’t survive a cancer diagnosis, requiring physicians to prepare patients for end-of-life care and even acceptance of death. Watch as COA's President and Carolina Blood & Cancer Care's CEO Kashyap Patel, MD discusses his new book, Between Life and Death: From Despair to Hope, with COA’s Rose Gerber. They provide unique perspectives on the cancer journey.

Spotlight CPAN's Newest Chapter
Genesis Cancer Center, Arkansas
The Genesis Cancer Center (Genesis) – CPAN’s newest chapter and first in the state – sees just under 2,000 new patients annually across eight locations in central Arkansas.

Genesis Cancer Center offers affordable, convenient care to thousands of patients in Central Arkansas. Their experience over the last 30 years has drawn Genesis to a patient-centered care delivery model. For example, Genesis asks friendly staff to answer every incoming patient phone call instead of relying on an automated system for appointment booking and other services. Speaking with a live person who can consult a patient’s medical history and coverage as needed and empathize with patients’ needs and feelings is a small but important way Genesis is enhancing its patient experience.

Staff members take time to participate in CPAN because they understand the importance of community oncology and want to make sure practices like Genesis are able to continue providing the highest quality care for all patients, even in rural, remote or underserved areas. Genesis' oncologists are steadfast advocates for their patients every day: in their waiting and examination rooms, on the phone with insurance companies, at the statehouse in Little Rock, and in the halls of Congress.

Cancer News You Can Use
COA's Patient Advocacy Network
2020 was filled with many challenges for patients, survivors, and providers. Yet, despite these challenges a bright light remained - interest and dedication to advocacy.

MedicineNet
Cancer patients have a much higher risk of COVID-19 than people without cancer, and that threat is especially high among those with blood cancers, newly diagnosed patients, and Black people, researchers say.

The Washington Post
Grocery store employees, teachers, emergency workers and other people on the front lines of America’s workforce should be next to get the coronavirus vaccine, along with adults ages 75 and older, according to a federal advisory panel.

Becker’s Hospital Review
Breast cancer is now the leading cause of cancer worldwide, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer's 2020 global estimates published Dec. 15.
Video: Community Oncology 101
What is Site of Service?
In this Cancer Policy Minute video, Bud Pierce, MD, explains the different places people can go to receive cancer treatment.



Resources for Advocates & Chapters